Choice Challenges and Perspectives for the European Welfare States

by Greve, Bent

• ISBN13: 9781444333312
• ISBN10: 1444333313
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-06-14
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

This book analyzes the impact of choice on welfare states in Europe and asks whether the shift towards more choice will ultimately benefit the users and providers of the welfare state, and have a positive impact on society as a whole.Explores the recent focus on choice in many welfare states, which has created a more market-orientated approach, changed users to consumers, and increased emphasis on private providers Examines the impact of these recent reforms on equality, not only from an economic perspective, but also in relation to gender, education, age, and access to services Draws on examples from different European countries and sectors of the welfare state, including the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the Czech Republic Informed by theoretical and empirical approaches, and uses a variety of methodologies

Author Biography

Bent Greve is Professor of Welfare State Analysis at Roskilde University, Denmark. His research focuses on the welfare state, and social and labour market policy, often from a comparative perspective. He has published extensively on social and labour market policy, social security, tax expenditures, public sector expenditures and financing of the welfare state.

Table of Contents

Notes on Contributors	p. vi
Editorial Introduction	p. 1
Can Choice in Welfare States Be Equitable?	p. 5
The Other Le Grand? Evaluating the 'Other Invisible Hand' in Welfare Services in England	p. 19
Exit, Voice and Quality in the English Education Sector	p. 33
When 'Choice' and 'Choice' Are not the Same: Institutional Frameworks of Choice in the German Welfare System	p. 46
Choosing Welfare or Losing Social Citizenship? Citizens' Free Choice in Recent Italian Welfare State Reforms	p. 62
The 'Consumer Principle' in the Care of Elderly People: Free Choice and Actual Choice in the German Welfare State	p. 77
A Comparative Discussion of the Gendered Implications of Cash-for-Care Schemes: Markets, Independence and Social Citizenship in Crisis?	p. 94
Challenging Solidarity? An Analysis of Exit Options in Social Policies	p. 109
Freedom of Choice through the Promotion of Gender Equality	p. 125
Index	p. 139
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