Labour markets and social policy in Europe: the case of the European Union in Developments in European social policy. Convergence and diversity, p29-53

Developments in European social policy. Convergence and diversity:
This volume is based upon papers initially presented at the Social Policy Association Conference held in July 1996 with the theme of 'Social policy in Europe: Convergence or diversity?'

The volume seeks to provide an analytical review of social policy developments in Europe at a time of significant change. To understand developments in European social policy the inter-relation-ship of the economic, social and political dimensions of Europe, whether at the national or the transnational levels, needs careful examination.

The book offers empirical material and analysis of the current trends in European social policy developments mainly within the EU. The first section, 'Trans-European social policy developments', considers some broad, overarching topics which illustrate the linkages between social policy and the economic and political dimensions at national and international levels. The second section, which is called 'Convergence and diversity in European social policies', considers four intentionally different areas of social policy to illustrate the complex patterns of similarity and difference in provision. Section three, 'National social policy systems in a European context', uses two examples to illustrate the ways in which both international and national factors and transnational developments may combine to affect national social policy systems (Germany and Greece).

Sykes, Rob/ Alcock, Pete (eds)
Developments in European social policy. Convergence and diversity
The Policy Press, 1998
ISBN: 1-86134-114-8 (Hbk)/ 1-86134-113-X (Pbk)
Price: £45.00 (Hbk)/ £18.99 (Pbk)