Protecting welfare

Who should receive what social benefits? Silja Häusermann paves the way for reforms capable of winning a majority.
“The post-industrial job market, austerity policies and an aging population threaten the welfare state. For example, what payments should the unemployed or pensioners receive in the event of social security being insufficiently funded? In my research group, we analyse the distribution of resources and the associated conflicts in Switzerland and Europe. We learn more about peopleʼs attitudes. This makes it easier to develop reforms based on the solidarity principle that are capable of winning a majority.”

Silja Häusermann, political scientist, University of Zurich, Recipient of several SNSF grants and a fellowship of the European Research Council (ERC)

Public opinion on social benefits can be gauged in surveys. One possible question might be: “Would you agree to a slight reduction in the maximum old-age pension to finance affordable and good-quality childcare?”.
From industry to services: a former foundry in Zurich stands as a symbol of changes in the workplace (right). How does the welfare state set its priorities (left)?