This book investigates the complex relationship between gender equality and the development and structure of the welfare state. It examines how different welfare state models have impacted, and been impacted by, gender roles and women's participation in society. The work analyzes the historical evolution of welfare policies and their differential effects on men and women.

The book is likely regarded as a significant academic contribution to the fields of sociology and gender studies, offering a detailed comparative analysis of welfare states through a gender lens. Its focus on policy and historical development suggests it is a resource for scholars and policymakers interested in the structural underpinnings of gender inequality. The work is expected to provide a nuanced understanding of how social policies can either reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles.