Basic parameters of the welfare state

The article attempts to show the limitations and dangers of that trend in contemporary research which sees in the interplay between GNP and social security spending as percent of GNP a predominant parameter of the modern welfare state. Through a criticism of this trend and its implications the problematic nature of the correlation between GNP and social security spending is demonstrated. Simultaneously, analysis of several welfare policies showing, among other things, the influence of ideology and strategy on the degree of welfare, calls into question the theses of convergence in welfare policies in rich countries and of ideology's lack of influence.