Publication
Title
Bipolar federalism and the social welfare state : a case for shared competences
Author
Abstract
Comparative studies on the organization of the welfare state in federal systems have referred to Belgium as a model for future federalism, because of its devolutionary nature. In reality, its dyadic or bipolar nature turns Belgian federalism into a unique and highly unstable experiment. However, as long as Brussels obstructs the exit option, the two linguistic groups are doomed to coexistence. Therefore, for Belgium more so than for any other devolutionary state, accommodating both centrifugal dynamics and the need for cohesion is vital. We argue that although dual federalism, including the equality of federal and sub-federal entities and the exclusive allocation of powers, typifies bipolar federal states, a system of shared powers is more suitable when it comes to matters related to social security.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Publius : the journal of federalism / Temple University. Center for the Study of Federalism [Philadelphia, Pa]; Robert B. & Helen S. Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government. - Philadelphia, Pa, 1971, currens
Publication
Philadelphia, Pa : Center for the Study of Federalism Temple University , 2013
ISSN
0048-5950 [print]
1747-7107 [online]
DOI
10.1093/PUBLIUS/PJT005
Volume/pages
43 :1 (2013) , p. 1-22
ISI
000328329400009
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Law 
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 27.02.2013
Last edited 09.10.2023
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