Projects / Programmes
The changing role of the state: state and employment policy in the context of the COVID-19 crisis
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.06.00 |
Social sciences |
Political science |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.06 |
Social Sciences |
Political science |
the state, COVID-19 crisis, employment policy, policy networks, policy instruments.
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
39172 |
PhD Marko Hočevar |
Political science |
Head |
2021 - 2024 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The research project addresses the changing role of the state in the field of employment policy in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. The project focuses on the economic aspect of the COVID-19 crisis and the specific policy instruments adopted in the field of employment policy, the transformation of relations in the policy networks and the role of state actors in the policy networks in the field of employment policy. The project is based on the comparative case study method (most different systems design). The research will focus on three cases: Slovenia, Portugal and Ireland. These three states have different types of policy networks, different types of market economy, different welfare regimes, different state and economic tradition in the 20th century and have become EU member states in different time periods. Despite these differences, we hypothesise that in all three cases a shift towards statist policy networks in the field of employment policy can be seen. The project’s main aim is, by using empirical and comparative approach, to explain the changing role of the state during the COVID-19 crisis in the field of employment policies in the three selected states. The first comparative case study analysis of the changing role of the state in the field of employment policy in the context of the COVID-19 crisis represents the crucial scientific contribution of the research project. Based on the previous research of the project leader regarding the transformation of the state in the last four decades, the research project explores the impact of the present COVID-19 crisis and the changing role of the state in the field of employment policy by using different methods: comparative case study method; in-depth (semi) structured interviews with key actors in the policy networks in the selected states (representatives of the state, trade unions, employers); focus group (different experts); analysis of available statistical data regarding the public opinion and expectations of the public regarding the role of the state in the field of employment policy (European Social Survey, European Value Study) and data regarding the labour market situation and unemployment rates in the selected states (Eurostat, EU LFS); analysis of laws in the field of employment policy, decisions made by the respective government, and any agreements between the social partners in the three selected states. The research project will fill the gap in the existing literature by focusing on the changing role of the state in relation to economy and society and by analysing specific policy instruments in the field of employment policy, the transformation of relations in the policy networks and the role of the state actors within them.
