Reforming the Bismarckian Welfare Systems (Broadening Perspectives in Social Policy)

"Gathering among the best European specialists of welfare state comparisons, this book organises comprehensive and up to date information on European welfare state reforms in an analytical framework which allows a new approach to social policy changes." "Demonstrates that, contrary to the common view, 'Bismarckian' welfare states have changed significantly." "Contains long term but also very accurate data and perspective beginning from the 1980s and up to the most recent reforms." "Speaks to two literatures: the one on welfare state, social policies and welfare state reforms; the other to the political science literature on changes, path dependency and incremental changes." "Organises comprehensive and up to date information on European welfare state reforms in an analytical framework." "Includes contributions from the best specialists of the field, including members of the European academic community of social policy comparativists."--Jacket

this Volume Systematically Compares The Development Of All Social Programmes Over The Last Three Decades In Continental Europe. It Demonstrates That, Contrary To The Common View, 'bismarckian' Welfare Systems Have Changed Significantly. Reforms Have Followed A Similar Path And The 'conservative Corporatist' Welfare Regimes Have Drifted From A 'labour Shedding' Strategy To The Adoption Of The Dominant Social Policy Agenda Including Activation Policies, New Pillars In Pensions, Market Mechanisms In Health, And The Development Of Care Policies. With Contributions From Leading European Specialists Of Welfare State Comparisons, This Book Organises Comprehensive And Up-to-date Information On European Welfare State Reforms In An Analytical Framework Which Allows A New Approach To Social Policy Changes.