Challenges to the Welfare State: Internal and External Dynamics for Change - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1858986362 ISBN 13: 9781858986364

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd, 1998

Synopsis

Challenges to the Welfare State examines and assesses cultural, economic and political problems facing welfare states in Europe and North America and provides policy suggestions to alleviate these problems. An important group of authors identifies the relative merits of welfare state systems in the United States and Europe. They consider the transition of the welfare state in former Communist countries to more market oriented systems and the status of the European welfare state in the context of deepening European integration. More specifically, these experts address the question of whether further integration in Europe will result in an environment where all citizens are guaranteed only certain basic social rights and are encouraged to take private financial responsibility for health care, pension provision and insurance. The nature of social insurance institutions, the problems of ageing populations and the backlash against increasing taxation are also considered.

The authors conclude that the reduction of existing government debt in the context of the move towards European Monetary Union will require either considerable increases in taxation or a significant reduction in entitlements.

This book will be required reading for scholars and students of economics, social and public politics, politics and public administration.

About this title

About the Author

Edited by Henry Cavanna, Director, Forum International des Sciences Humaines, Paris, France

Edition details

• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1858986362
• ISBN 13: 9781858986364
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224
• Editor: Cavanna Henry