COMPARATIVE STUDY OF
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON
SOCIAL PROTECTION IN THE
VISEGRÁD GROUP AND BENELUX
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON
SOCIAL PROTECTION IN THE
VISEGRÁD GROUP AND BENELUX
Author(s): Marlena Piekut, Jakub RybaltowiczSubject(s): Welfare systems, Welfare services, Fiscal Politics / Budgeting, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Fundacja Centrum Badań Socjologicznych
Keywords: social protection; government expenditures; fiscal policy; cluster analysis; convergence; divergence; Benelux; Visegrád Group;
Summary/Abstract: Socio-economic policies aim to promoteequitable income distribution, with social protectionplaying a crucial role. Balancing equality and efficiency inredistribution poses a challenge for policy-makers. Thewelfare state-market compatibility dilemma and its impacton incentives are primary concerns. This study evaluatesgovernment expenditures on social protection in Beneluxand Visegrád Group (V4) countries from 1995 to 2021.Trends in expenditure share indicate varying fiscal policybehaviors: Visegrád Group countries show convergencein expenditure share, while Benelux countries exhibitdivergence. The structure of social protection spendingalso differs, with old age being a dominant category.These findings provide insights into welfare systems andcan guide policy decisions in European regions.
Journal: Economics and Sociology
- Issue Year: 17/2024
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 280-294
- Page Count: 15
- Language: English
