Social policy is constantly evolving in the European Union and is closely intertwined with other EU policy areas. Since publication of the second edition of this well received text, we have seen the enlargement of the union to the east and increased debate about how to adapt its institutional structures to reflect its extended membership. The third edition takes account of these debates, as well as debates about the constitution, the need for more open European governance, and citizenship rights. It continues to offer a compact, clear and authoritative account of social policy formation and...

This is a resource book for social scientists engaged in cross-national comparative research. It critically examines the methodological and managerial issues which arise from such work, with a particular focus on the economic and social policy agenda of the European Union. Experts from across Europe and from different disciplinary backgrounds draw upon their own experience of conducting
cross-national comparisons to offer well-informed guidance on how to overcome the pitfalls and problems they have encountered.

Across Europe and beyond, changing family living arrangements have stimulated popular and academic debate about the impact of socio-demographic trends on family well-being and the challenges they present for governments. This path-breaking book explores the complex relationship between family change and public policy responses in EU member states and candidate countries. After comparing the major socio-economic changes of the late 20th century in Europe and their impact on family and working life, it analyses both the reactions of policy makers and users as they respond to change and the...

This book is designed as a teaching and reference tool for students and practitioners wanting to conduct effective and reliable cross-national comparisons. Adopting a topic-based approach, it draws on a wide range of small and large-scale studies in the social sciences and humanities in order to analyse and document the research process.

Across Europe and beyond, changing family living arrangements have stimulated popular and academic debate about the impact of socio-demographic trends on family well-being and the challenges they present for governments. This path-breaking book explores the complex relationship between family change and public policy responses in EU member states and candidate countries. After comparing the major socio-economic changes of the late 20th century in Europe and their impact on family and working life, it analyses both the reactions of policy makers and users as they respond to change and the...

Explores how family structures, employment relationship and family policy are conceptualised in individual EC member states. Draws upon material from ESRC, CNAF (Paris) and the European Commission DGV.