Suchergebnisse

This book analyses the immediate challenges from headlong cuts, root-and-branch restructuring and the longer-term pressures from population ageing. It demonstrates that a more humane and generous welfare state that will build social inclusiveness is possible and shows how it can be achieved.

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL CATEGORIZATION OF CAPITALIST WELFARE SYSTEMS -- REGIME THEORY -- SUGGESTS THAT EUROPEAN WELFARE STATES WILL FIND IT DIFFICULT TO ADAPT TO THE CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES OF MORE INTENSE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC COMPETITION. THE PROBLEM IS SEEN AS PARTICULARLY SEVERE IN THE DOMINANT CONTINENTAL CORPORATIST REGIME. THIS PAPER USES DATA FROM A RECENT SURVEY OF POLITICIANS, REPRESENTATIVES OF EMPLOYERS' ORGANIZATIONS, UNIONS, THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS, CIVIL SERVANTS, AND JOURNALISTS IN FOUR EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO EVALUATE THIS CLAIM. THE PATTERN OF OPINION FITS THAT PREDICTED BY THEORY, BUT THE POTENTIAL FOR CHANGE APPEARS TO DIFFER IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES FOR SPECIFIC LOCAL REASONS. REGIME THEORY MAY BE BETTER AT UNDERSTANDING STABILITY THAN IN CAPTURING THE FORCES THAT MAKE FOR CHANGE AND MAY FIND IT INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO DO JUSTICE TO THE INCREASINGLY UNCERTAIN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT OF WELFARE.

Presents a critical commentary upon a research report on Occupational Sick Pay Schemes recently commissioned and published by the Department of Social Security. Argues that evidence of increasingly widespread occupational provision conceals a growing disparity between the conditions of service enjoyed by higher paid 'core' workers and those endured by more vulnerable 'peripheral' workers. (Abstract amended)

The Department of Health and Social Security is the biggest-spending department of state. Welfare issues have begun to attract something like their fair share of attention, in the controversies over the Fowler review, benefit levels, National Health Service management and waiting lists, the role of the private sector, and cuts versus taxation. Discusses the relation of MPs' views on the Welfare State to public opinion on the one hand, and to party policy on the other. (PFB)