How do welfare states shape gender dynamics? This article reviews the complex interplay between gender relations and welfare states, exploring how societal norms surrounding gender roles and compulsory heterosexuality influence the structure and function of social provision. It examines two dominant perspectives: one viewing states as perpetuating gender hierarchies and the other highlighting the state's potential to ameliorate gender inequality. The review synthesizes current research, emphasizing the variability in social policies' impact on gender equality. This analysis offers valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of welfare states and their implications for gender relations.
As a contribution to the Annual Review of Sociology, this paper analyzes gender within the context of welfare states, aligning with the journal’s broad coverage of sociological topics. By examining how social policies intersect with gender relations, the study enhances sociological understanding of inequality, social change, and the role of institutions in shaping individual experiences, fitting well within the journal's scope.