The impact of multiculturalism policies on the welfare State

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review recent empirical evidence on the consequences of the implementation of multiculturalism policies on the sustainability of the welfare State in developed countries. Relevant studies are analyzed from the standpoint of multinational comparison, case analysis and federalism. It emphasizes the impact of the recognition of inimigrants and ethno-racial and national minorities on variations in social expenditure and redistribution of benefits with the aim of demonstrating a possible erosión of the welfare State caused by MCPS together with other political and economic processes. Finally, it provides reflections on the mechanisms by which MCPs impact partisan politics and anti-immigration public discourse while promoting economic and social integration of culturally distinct groups within the nation-State and thus politically and economically strengthen the welfare State.