Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the root of ideal types, the rationale for their existence and application, in the world of Max Weber. It applies ideal types in different areas, and with different levels of comparative analysis: first, in the light of welfare state system comparison, on a global scale, and then, with regard to special fields of social policy; that is, health care policy and long-term care policy in particular. The book deals with the definition, the boundaries and the significance of comparative social policy, as well as previous efforts by social policy scholars to summarize and classify comparative welfare theories. It also highlights the importance of studying employment policies as they are at the forefront of potentially paradigm-changing welfare reforms across the board, especially from the present-day perspective of European welfare state systems.