Is There a “Mediterranean Welfare State”? A Country-Level Analysis

Abstract

In the context of examining the Mediterranean welfare states, this chapter carries out a country-level analysis in order to uncover the common characteristics, as well as the differences, between the eight countries in this region. The chapter is divided into three sections: the first section draws a portrait of the demographic characteristics of the eight countries, the second section contains key aspects of social life in those countries, and the third section introduces key data concerning social aspects of the welfare state. This third and final section attempts to link the demographic characteristics and aspects of social life of each country to the respective welfare state. This contribution is analyzed in a comparative perspective.