The micro-foundations of social policy: attitudes and preferences

This chapter provides an overview of research on attitudes and preferences related to the welfare state. The chapter starts with a discussion about the definition and measurement of the dependent variable, namely attitudes and preferences. It then goes on to discuss research on the individual- and macro-level determinants of preferences, distinguishing between indicators of material self-interest, norms and values as well as institutions and policies. Throughout, the chapter also discusses how research has developed alongside the increasing availability of international comparative datasets of public opinion. The final section concludes with some thoughts on potential avenues for future research.