REDISTRIBUTION IN THEORIES OF WELFARE STATE DEVELOPMEMENT

This article analyses the conception of redistribution in different theories of welfare state development. What is the role and importance of redistribution in those theories? Could the size and direction of redistribution be identified and what social risks are compensated by redistribution? First part introduces the conception of redistribution. This is followed by other parts where redistribution is analysed through the lens of several theories of welfare state development, namely functionalism ("logic of industrialism"), power-resources theory, state-centered approach and institutionalism. Main findings denote to "logic of industrialism" thesis as the one which is capable to explain arisen need for redistribution, while state-centered approach and institutionalism are more appropriate for explaining the disparities in redistribution in different countries. Most fruitful analysis may be performed when power resources theory is employed.