In this article the relationship between the economic situation and public support for the welfare state is investigated. Two hypotheses are presented: (1) serious economic crises reduce the support for welfare, and (2) once the crisis is over, support will gradually return to its pre-crisis level. These hypotheses are studied using Finnish public opinion data from 1975 to 1993, and considerable support for them is found. Furthermore, the article demonstrates that, even during a deep recession, public opinion gives higher priority to the welfare functions of the state over other functions.
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