Social Cohesion and Welfare States: From Fragmentation to Social Peace

This interdisciplinary book examines the long-run historical processes of the development of the welfare state. It focuses on the complex political, social, economic and institutional transformations which give rise to these peaceful and cohesive societies.

Christopher Lloyd is Emeritus Professor of Economic History at the University of New England, Australia, was Guest Professor at the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Historical Research at the University of Tampere, Finland, and is now an adjunct professor in Social Science History at the University of Helsinki. His current interests include the history of democratic socialist regimes.

Matti Hannikainen is Senior Researcher in the Finnish Labour Archives and an adjunct professor in Economic and Social History at the University of Helsinki. His current interests include the history of the Social Democratic Party in Finland. Hannikainen has also studied economic crises and the welfare state, especially the history of the Finnish pension scheme.