Welfare Regime Divergence and Varieties of Capitalism: Perceptions of Class Consciousness and Decommodification

This study integrates welfare regime typology, class perceptions, and the Varieties of Capitalism to expand the theory of welfare regime divergence in advanced economies. It emphasizes the role of subjective class consciousness in shaping policy preferences toward decommodification. The research posits that differences in decommodification levels arise from varying policy preferences of subjective classes in diverse socioeconomic contexts. By examining 22 advanced OECD economies, the study tests its arguments through two investigations. First, a macro-level analysis using clustering algorithms categorizes these countries based on their commodification and decommodification traits in the 2010s. Second, an individual-level analysis explores how subjective class perceptions influence preferences for decommodification policies across different welfare regime types. Results reveal two optimal clusters among the 22 economies, with decommodification features playing a significant role. The study highlights the enduring importance of decommodification and the impact of subjective class perceptions on welfare regimes in advanced democracies.