Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on three central welfare state sectors which are important in most countries. It provides a further international perspective on how the welfare state might be influenced by the European Union (EU), especially in the EU member states. The book also provides both insights and knowledge which will make it possible to analyses and interpret the ongoing societal changes in welfare states. It presents the core concepts related to what welfare is and different ways to achieve goals in the welfare state, including central theoretical arguments for using the state, the market and civil society to deliver and/or finance welfare. The book addresses how best to achieve an aim in the welfare state by using the state, the market or civil society or a combination of these, and in what welfare regimes achieve goals seem to be achieved best.