Historical trends in state support for families in Europe (post-1945)

This paper examines the trends in state support for families in Europe since 1945. Trends in family allowances, maternity leave, childcare facilities, and related programs are analyzed. Four main conclusions emerge. First, state support for families followed a different course than other components of the welfare states during the 1945–1997 period. State support for families increased only moderately during the 1950s–60s golden age of the welfare states, but has not experienced major decreases since the 1970s. Secondly, the analysis revealed considerable inter-country variations that cut across conventional welfare state or family policy typologies. Thirdly, the trends in state support for families have reduced the cost of children, but have not eliminated entirely the opportunity cost of childbearing. Large inter-country variations were also found in this respect. Finally, results provide no convincing evidence that the aging of the population in Europe is having a strong negative consequence on state support for families.