The existence of large welfare states as a result of industrialization and class struggle is an outstanding feature of Europe until today. A variety of regime types has emerged that created path dependency and are related to different versions of market economy. In spite of European integration, social policy remains a core task of the national states and plays a crucial role in legitimizing democracy. The seminar explores the drivers of the welfare state development variety within Europe and major triggers of change. We will begin with the typology suggested by Esping-Andersen, its critics, adaptations and expansions (e.g. the role of religion, family and reproduction policy, and the debate about a South-European model). Afterwards we will investigate major changes and their conceptualization and discuss their application concerning Central and Eastern Europe, which turned towards capitalism after 1990, and explore selective outcomes of the ongoing European crisis on social policies in Europe.