Typology Of Welfare Systems Around The World

Given the importance of comparative studies in order to utilize the experiences and achievements of other societies in the field of welfare policies and programs, the present paper is intended to provide a suitable framework for such studies by identifying and introducing the most prominent welfare systems around the world. To this end, firstly the most outstanding theoretical and empirical efforts in the field of welfare systems typology in the past two decades are reviewed and various countries which fall in each category are identified. Moreover, performance of various welfare systems is evaluated according to three indicators, namely: reduction in poverty, protection against labor market risks, and rewards for labor participation. Besides, characteristics of welfare systems in developing and less developed countries are studied and existing welfare arrangements in these countries are addressed. The paper ends with a brief review of the characteristics of the Iranian welfare system according to various provisions of the Iranian Constitution as well as the main developments in the welfare system of the country in recent years.