Europe’s Social Contract Under Stress

摘要: We are currently living in an era of welfare pessimism. While extensive programmes and high levels social transfers remain central to the political economy western — and, a lesser extent, eastern European countries, traditional ‘social contract’ between states their citizens is simultaneously failing fulfil its original objectives while also being eroded by stealth or, some cases, directly attacked. Older notions solidarity breaking down as structural changes societies render economic identities more individualistic group oriented changing balance generations (the ageing societies) threatens contract that was originally struck them. Globalization, although contested significance, has reduced autonomy governments pursue ‘market-correcting’ policies preserve own idiosyncratic forms contract’. Although existence not jeopardy, clearly at impasse. There appear be few viable alternatives available shift towards ‘more market’ acceptance greater inequalities, revealed convergence major party on agenda reregulation ‘neo-liberal’ reform.