1. Struggling with Persistent Gaps Studying the Welfare State Methodology Conclusion 2. A Tale of Two RMIs Contextualising the Cases Explaining Benefit Reform Politics and the RMIs Southern European Characteristics and Public Pressure Conclusion 3. Public Attitudes toward the Unemployed in Continental, Southern Europe, and Beyond Extending the Comparison Examining Public Opinion Conclusion 4. Southern European Characteristics in the Broader Context The Models Findings Conclusion 5. Bismarck, Beveridge, and Making the Transition Contextualising the Cases Beveridge versus Bismarck Explaining Healthcare Reform Italian Advancements Staying the Course in France Conclusion 6. Healthcare Reform and Public Opinion in Continental and Southern Europe Extending the Comparison Examining Public Opinion Conclusion 7. Examining Healthcare Coverage across the OECD The Models Findings Conclusion 8. Rectifying Coverage Gaps Bibliography Appendix: A Brief Methodological Note