2. hour exam
CHOOSE TWO OF THE FOUR QUESTIONS BELOW
Question 1 (about 50 minutes, 6p)
Describe three different theories (or “causal logics” as Vis/van Kersbergen call them) that are typically used to analyze the expansion phase of the welfare state (i.e. during and even before the so-called “golden age”).
Question 2 (about 50 minutes, 6p)
The theoretical framework known as “the new politics of the welfare state” is associated with Paul Pierson. What is this theory meant to explain? What are the core assumptions and empirical implications of this framework?
Question 3 (about 50 minutes, 6p)
What is “social investment”? What problems/”reform pressures” are social investment policies typically meant to address? What do we know about citizens’ attitudes towards social investment? In answering these questions, discuss at least two concrete examples/dimensions of social investment policy.
Question 4 (30 minutes, 6p)
Give three examples of “policy feedback” theories/explanations used in research on citizens’ political attitudes/behaviour. Briefly illustrate each with an empirical study/example from the course literature.