A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book
How to understand interventions in welfare state policy context; 
Authors: Peltoniemi, Johanna; Herkama, Sanna; Karvonen, Sakari; Muuri, Anu
Editors: Erola, Jani; Moisio, Pasi; Peltoniemi, Johanna
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Publication year: 2026
Book title : Beyond the Nordic Welfare State : Extending Social Investments with Interventions
First page : 53
Last page: 63
ISBN: 978-1-03537-543-1
eISBN: 978-1-03537-544-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00010
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00010
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523615840
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY NC ND
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
Welfare states have increasingly moved from income transfers and passive protection towards service provision, investments in human capital, and proactive interventions. This chapter explores how the social investment framework can be extended with interventions to address its limitations, especially in relation to acute risks and inequalities. We define interventions broadly as strategies or actions that target individuals, groups, or environments to promote well-being, prevent risks, or mitigate existing problems across the life course. Drawing on examples from health, education, and social policy, we illustrate how interventions can be classified by scope, timing, objectives, and target groups. We also discuss methodological approaches to evaluating effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, highlighting both randomised controlled trials and alternative designs. Finally, we examine the challenges of implementation and scaling, noting the long time lags between evidence and practice. Together, these insights demonstrate how interventions, when effectively designed and embedded, can become persistent social investments within modern welfare states.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |