Georgian welfare state: Preliminary study based on Esping-Andersen’s typology

Abstract

This study aims to examine the welfare state of Georgia according to the Esping-Andersen’s typology and to justify the theory of “(in)stable welfare states”. This article analyses different aspects of wellbeing (pension and healthcare systems, labour-market policy and family benefits) in Georgia during the period of 1991-2013. The research shows the diversity of policies in different fields of social care. The results revealed that Georgian health and labour-market policies can be classified as liberal ones, while the pension system – as a social-democratic one, and finally the family benefits policy – as a conservative one. Thus, the theory of (in)stable welfare state can be justified in this case and Georgian state overall can be qualified as a country with a hybrid and instable social policy. However, further research is needed for the final confirmation (or rejection) of this theory, once the current policy reforms, started back in 2013, would be fully implemented.