A European welfare state? : European Union social policy in context / Mark Kleinman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kleinman, Mark.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social aspects.

European Union countries--Social policy.

European Union countries.

Social policy.

European Union countries--Economic integration--Social aspects.

Welfare state.

Physical Description:

ix, 246 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire ; New York : Palgrave, 2002.

Summary:

European integration arouses strong emotions. For some people a strong European social policy is essential in order to reverse the erosion of national welfare states. Others resent the 'Brussels' interference with national autonomy over social expenditure and social programmes. In this innovative study Mark Kleinman assesses the extent to which the European Union is creating a 'European welfare state'.

The first two chapters of the book examine the different types of welfare states in Europe and consider to what extent there is an emergence of a single European social model. The author then proceeds to explore the impact that globalisation in general, and European economic integration in particular, are having on the ability of governments to meet their citizens' welfare needs. Core chapters analyse how the role of the European Union in social policy has grown in recent decades and explores key current issues including: Why is European unemployment so high? How can governments reduce poverty and promote social inclusion? Is there any substance to the concept of European citizenship?

Applying principles and insights from economic, social and political analysis, the book provides a unique assessment of the state of welfare policy in Europe and demonstrates clearly the crucial impact of economic integration on the scope and aims of European Union social policy.

Contents:

1 Crisis? What Crisis? Continuity and Change in European Welfare States 1

2 One Social Model or Many? 28

3 Globalization and the Welfare State 59

4 European Union Social Policy: Policy Development and Policy-making 82

5 European Union Social Policy Today and Tomorrow 110

6 One Money, One Muddle: Social Policy and the Euro 135

7 Europe Isn't Working: Jobs, Unemployment and Social Exclusion 161

8 Citizens Arise? Europe and Social Citizenship 191.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 226-239) and index.

ISBN:

0333698916

0333698924

OCLC:

46937583