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Everybody who matters—business federations, the business press, economists, conservative governments, Tony Blair, the New York Times—says that Europe (and especially France) has to "reform." "Reform" is a polite way of saying that somebody who isn't "everybody" ought to (has to) get less of something. Last year, unemployment insurance was that "something" in Germany. French "reformers" have gone after every social benefit, including basic social security pensions and health insurance. Two particular targets have been early retirement and the thirty-five-hour work week, which are pillars of the French practice of job redistribution.

The welfare states of Western Europe all face having to make cuts in social programs. As it stands now, there just isn't enough money to support them. Other avenues than cutting social benefits for those in the greatest need are being considered. Focus here is on how France is addressing this problem via early retirement & the 35-hour week. By 2001, Ministry of Employment statistics indicated that introduction of the 35-hour week among about 50% of employees in the private sector & 100% in the public sector led to the creation of 242,000 net new jobs. While job distribution doesn't eliminate mass unemployment, it does help manage it. J. Stanton

The French welfare state has attempted to combat the biggest threat to its existence -- unemployment -- through implementation of numerous policy initiatives aimed at public creation of demand, removal of people from the labor force, & the social treatment of unemployment. These efforts have largely failed; France's current unemployment rate is 12.2%, higher than any other welfare state. France is relying on the second wing of its social welfare strategy -- social insurance, including unemployment insurance & minimum revenue benefits -- to stabilize demand, reduce poverty, & dampen social conflict. These efforts have succeeded, giving an indication of the vitality of the welfare state, but persistent high unemployment may still undermine the social welfare system. D. Generoli

BRITAIN IS THE LEAST DEVELOPED WELFARE STATE IN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, AND EVEN SO THE WELFARE STATE IS BEING REEXAMINED. THIS ARTICLE OUTLINES THE POLICIES AND THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE WELFARE STATE THAT ARE UNDER ATTACK, AND THE REFORMS PLANNED BY EACH PARTY.

Since 1945, rapid growth has been prized by Western governments. Anxiety raised by this policy is illustrated in D. Meadows's et al, The Limits of Growth (New York: New American Library/Signet, 1972). Although many have disputed the claims of this text, balanced growth & social & political limits are currently accepted versions of 'limits to growth.' Two features of this tenet are given: the whole of democratic politics should be based upon it; & it should be strongly considered when making political & economic decisions. For the masses, the probability of shortages, particularly of energy, is the most convincing standard for the need for great change in lifestyle. Huge financial & labor commitments must be made to make the transition to a society that is energy efficient & fully employed, without exhausting the world's resources. P. Montgomery.