Major changes in citizenship and democracy have taken place in Scandinavia within the last two decades. Participation in conventional forms of politics has declined markedly, and the ability of institutions such as political parties and trade unions to deliver social mobility is being eroded. Instead, Scandinavians are turning towards single issue participation and 'small democracy' in the workplace or in public sector service institutions. The scenario is that of a 'spectator democracy' with engaged and conscious spectators who lack the long-term political commitment to engage actively in...

Social marginalisation due to changing labour markets in a global, knowledge-intensive economy poses a major challenge to international welfare states. Addressing the problem from a citizenship perspective, this book contributes significantly to the understanding of policy problems.

This book looks at new trends in employment and unemployment throughout Europe. There has been widespread belief that economical globalization, regulated labor markets and generous welfare policies would lead to persistent unemployment in Europe. However, using new data the authors highlight that there are different paths to improved employment and conclude that the employment situation is more positive than expected. Countries covered include Britain, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Slovenia.

There have been major shifts in the framework of social policy and welfare across Europe. Adopting a multi-level, comparative and interdisciplinary approach, this book develops a critical analysis of policy change and welfare reform in Europe. The book applies a dynamic and change-oriented perspective to shed light on policy changes that are often poorly understood in the welfare literature, and contributes to a further development of the theoretical and conceptual frameworks for understanding social change. Several dimensions of change are analyzed simultaneously: changes in the discipline...