The Changing Welfare State In Europe. The Implications for Democracy

The welfare state in Europe has been reformed gradually over the past two decades, with the intensification of the economic and monetary union and the addition of fifteen new members to the EU. This book explores the pressures that have been placed on the welfare state through a variety of contributions.

As the standard of living has increased, aspirations and financial constraints have required major rethinking. There is considerable disparity between European countries in how they approach the welfare system, with differing concern over aspects such as income, employment and the ability to participate in society. Choices over welfare lie at the heart of the democratic system; this book explores the tensions this has produced and the innovative responses in policy content and institutions.

The Changing Welfare State in Europe has a wide appeal, which will have relevance to economists, scholars in public and social policy, public and private finance experts, policymakers and also academics with an interest in the impact of financial and economic development.

Contents:
1. Introduction: The Changing Welfare State by Anna Michalski and David Mayes

2. Social Models in the Enlarged European Union by David Mayes and Zaidah Mustaffa

3. The Economic Crisis and Prospects for European Social Insurance and Democratic Governance by Katherine Lyons and Christine Cheyne

4. Active Social Policies, Inclusion and Democracy in the European Union by Mark Thomson

5. Democratic Boundaries in the US and Europe: Inequality, Localization and Voluntarism in Social Welfare by Tess Altman and David G. Mayes

6. Privatizing Welfare. Changing the Face of Social Protection and Democracy in Europe by Tess Altman and Cris Shore

7. The Rise of the Unelected. The UK Health System and the Rise and Fall of Arm’s Length Bodies by David Mayes and Zaidah Mustaffa

8. Democratic Governance and Policy Coordination in the EU
Anna Michalski