Welfare and culture in Europe. Towards a new paradigm in social policy

Welfare and culture in Europe:

This innovative volume grew out a recognition by a group of researchers into European welfare policy and practice, that 'culture' had re-emerged or been revealed as a significant dimension of analysis. This consequent collection of papers by academics, mainly from Britain but with some contributors from other European countries, shows how the cultures underpinning social welfare systems are starting to be exposed and explored. The assumption that the values and beliefs which constitute welfare systems are universal has been overturned. There are two main reasons given for this: the post-war period has seen huge changes in traditional structures in Europe, such as class, race and gender, which have prompted people and systems to re-assess and assert their identity and role. Second, the move towards European union and the process of globalisation have led to a growing awareness of different welfare systems. The first part of the book illustrates the creation or emergence of culture as a topic in the comparative study of welfare. The second emphasises a distinct set of research strategies. The third and final part points to key theoretical resources both of current and future work. Analysis of how culture impinges on welfare provision is mirrored by discussion of how welfare could be more sensitive to cultural diversity.

Other papers from the same seminar series of Welfare and Culture in Europe, mainly presentations by practitioners, were published in the Spring 1998 issue of Soundings, under the title 'Active Welfare'.