Two conceptions
Wilensky and Lebeaux (1958) contrasted residual welfare, means-tested and often stigmatising, with institutional welfare stressing universal provision as a normal social function.
Extending the typology
Titmuss (1974) proposed residual, industrial achievement-performance and institutional redistributive models; Mishra (1977) surveyed theories; Esping-Andersen (1990) built three welfare regimes around decommodification.
Redistribution debate
Korpi and Palme (1998) proposed the paradox of redistribution: targeted systems redistribute less. Arts and Gelissen (2002) reviewed typologies and Brady and Bostic (2015) re-tested targeting.
FAQ
- What is the distinction in simple terms?
- Residual welfare helps only in emergencies; institutional welfare is a standing system for everyone.
- Which is better?
- No single answer, but research suggests institutional systems often reduce poverty more.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26
References
- Wilensky, H. L., & Lebeaux, C. N. (1958). Industrial society and social welfare. Russell Sage Foundation. The origin of the distinction.
- Titmuss, R. M. (1974). Social policy: An introduction. Allen & Unwin. Three models of social policy.
- Mishra, R. (1977). Society and social policy: Theoretical perspectives on welfare. Macmillan. Theoretical perspectives.
- Esping-Andersen, G. (1990). The three worlds of welfare capitalism. Princeton University Press. Welfare regime typology.
- Korpi, W., & Palme, J. (1998). The paradox of redistribution and strategies of equality: Welfare state institutions, inequality, and poverty in the Western countries. American Sociological Review, 63(5), 661–687. Paradox of redistribution.
- Arts, W., & Gelissen, J. (2002). Three worlds of welfare capitalism or more? A state-of-the-art report. Journal of European Social Policy, 12(2), 137–158. Review of welfare typologies.
- Brady, D., & Bostic, A. (2015). Paradoxes of social policy: Welfare transfers, relative poverty, and redistribution preferences. American Sociological Review, 80(2), 268–298. Recent test of targeting.