The welfare state is a fundamental institution of modern, democratic-capitalist societies. As such, it is not only of interest from a social science perspective but also relevant to the social practices within these societies. Welfare state programs and institutions, as well as social policy actions and omissions, tend to shape and permeate the everyday lives of the entire population. This volume raises awareness of the significance of the welfare state as an inescapable social fact and systematically examines the prerequisites and effects of its historical development. It also looks at the diversity and transformation of welfare state arrangements and concludes with the inevitable question about the future of current social policies.