British Journal of Sociology, vol. 52, 2001, p. 469-494
Paper analyses tendencies towards convergence of social insurance schemes in 18 OECD countries between 1930 and 1990, a period which saw the sample develop from predominantly agricultural societies to industrial or post-industrial market democracies. Uses the new Social Citizenship Indicator Programme database to analyse convergence with respect to social citizenship rights as expressed in national legislation or social insurance programmes. Finds little evidence of convergence to date, but argues that this may change due to the impact of economic globalisation and the formation of supra-national blocks such as the European Union.