This paper briefly presents the typology developed by Gosta Esping-Anderson, sums up the feminist critique of his theory, and incorporates a gender perspective in this typology. It then explores the historical origins of family in Western Europe, and considers whether family policies and the position of women have diverged into two welfare state regimes in Western Europe today. Finally the paper discusses whether the Western European countries are heading towards convergence or divergence, and the role of the European Union (EU) in determining this outcome.