This book analyses trends and data relating to issues affecting social policy in mature welfare states in Europe, and uses these elements to further our understanding of, and ability to try to say something about, the future of social policy, its direction and content.Looking at the financial crisis of 2008, the refugee crisis in Europe, COVID-19, the climate crisis, ageing populations and the rise of artificial intelligence, it shows how these may also have an impact on future soc...

The welfare state is still very much central in people’s everyday lives. The welfare state is at the same time contested and debated, and has often been argued to be in a crisis not only in the wake of the financial crisis. Welfare and welfare states used to be a national issue and prerogative. Today welfare and welfare states are influenced by national as well as regional and global decisions. However, nation states play a decisive role influenced by national preferences and ideas, and, i...

Our Elgar Concise Introductions are inspiring and considered. They explain the key principles in business and social science and are expertly written by some of the world’s leading scholars. The aims of the series are two-fold: to pinpoint essential concepts and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking.This insightful Concise Introduction provides an overview of welfare state financing, discussing how different instruments influence individuals’ and companies’ be...

Our Elgar Concise Introductions are inspiring and considered. They explain the key principles in business and are expertly written by some of the world’s leading scholars. The aims of the series are two-fold: to pinpoint essential concepts and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking.Health and welfare are often analysed separately. This book combines understanding about health and health systems with analysis of the pathways welfare states have to promote improvements in...

Definitions of the welfare state often focus on how and why a state intervenes in the economy and welfare of the individual citizen. A welfare state does not, however, have to mean state intervention; it may merely reflect the state’s restrictions and the demands of the labor market, families, and the rest of civil society. This book covers the history of the welfare state from Chancellor Otto von Bismarck’s reforms in Germany starting in 1883 to the present day.This third edition ...

This fully revised and updated edition of Happiness provides an accessible introduction to the concept of happiness and how it can be applied to public policy in order to help citizens achieve the good life.Countries around the globe want to ensure the best for their citizens. They want them to be happy, have a good life and improve their well-being. It follows that, whilst happiness is based upon individuals’ subjective perception of their own situation, it is important t...

Generally, the term "welfare state" refers to an ideal model of provision, where the state accepts responsibility for the provision of comprehensive and universal welfare for its citizens. Among other things, it determines under what conditions babies are born and children cared for, what happens when workers cannot find employment, and how the aged will cope with illness and the lack of income. This book provides the reader with historical and updated information on welfare states around ...

Poverty has dire consequences on the ability to fulfil one’s aspirations for life. Poverty has strong implications for social cohesion and societies’ abilities to function in harmonious ways. This book presents the readers with the core concepts, latest development and knowledge about policies that work to eliminate absolute poverty.This volume shows what the consequences are for the quality of life of those living in poverty. It describes life for people in poverty in general, but...

In the wake of the financial crisis, and with increasing numbers of people in precarious and low paid jobs, there has been a surprising surge of support for populist right-wing political parties who often promote an anti-welfare message. Tougher approaches and welfare chauvinism are on the agenda in many countries, with policies which reduce the welfare state for those seen as undeserving and changes that often disproportionally benefit the rich.Why are voters seemingly not concern...

Social and Labour Market Policy: The Basics is an engaging and accessible introduction to the subject, which explores the broad historical, social and economic factors which have affected the differing types of social and labour market policies found in welfare states. Drawing links between social policy and labour market policy the book explores key introductory topics including:Defining what we mean when we speak of social policy and labour market policy

Are we living in an age of permanent austerity? In this insightful book, Bent Greve provides a comprehensive empirical analysis of welfare states since 2000, exploring the ways in which austerity can be measured and quantified and how far retrenchment has impinged on European welfare states.Featuring clear and succinct discussions defining austerity and retrenchment, Greve offers strong methodological approaches to the measurement of austerity. This timely book provides detailed co...

We are witnessing the development of new technologies that could have a dramatic impact on markets for both skilled and unskilled labour, including the use of Big Data. In addition, many welfare states have once again been restructured, sometimes weakening states’ protection of employees. This timely book provides a systematic and vigorous analysis of the impact of new technology on the labour market and different kinds of welfare states.The book offers a novel contribution to the ...