Edward Elgar Publishing Social Exclusion in European Welfare States (Globalization and Welfare series)

Social Exclusion in European Welfare States focuses on the complex relationship between economic welfare, labour market performance and social inclusion/exclusion. The contributors in the volume examine in detail the alleged trade-off between the social and economic capabilities of a society and their impact on the well-being of the citizens. Furthermore, they identify welfare regimes whose policies are more balanced in terms of prioritizing economic as well as social goals and, hence, are more successful in promoting social inclusion along with faster growth. The book attempts to promote a better understanding of the differences in policy regimes and the performances of different regime types in view of their own goals and objectives. Contributors from a broad range of disciplines - economics, sociology and political science - explore the scope for European policy coordination and the form that this should take. The book focuses on a problem that is widely considered to be one of the most intractable and damaging in contemporary European society. It will be invaluable to policymakers in a broad range of fields including employment, social policy, education and social work as well as to economists, sociologists and political scientists engaged in research and teaching in these fields. Review 'This book provides useful analysis for social policy academics with a European bent, and should embolden policymakers. It does not underplay the challenges facing the EU, and especially southern countries and the UK, but it affirms that employment and welfare policy can and do make a difference.' -- T. Burchardt, Education Economics About the Author Edited by Ruud Muffels, Professor of Socio-Economics (Labour Market and Social Security), Tilburg University, the Netherlands, Panos Tsakloglou, Associate Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece and the late David G. Mayes, formerly Professor of Banking and Financial Institutions, Director, Europe Institute and Director, NZ Governance Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand