Nationalism and ethnicity have become, across time and space, a force in the construction of boundaries. This book analyses geographical and physical borders and symbolic, political and socio-economic boundaries, and how they impact upon nationalism and ethnic identity.

Geographic and other tangible borders are critical components in the making and unmaking of boundaries. However, symbolic or intangible boundaries along national, ethnic, political or socio-economic criteria are equally significant. Organised into three sections on theory, national and transnational case...

Religion and Welfare in Europe examines social change in Europe in recent years and how it relates to religion, minority populations, and gender, and their interacting effects on inclusion and conflict. Bringing together international experts in a wide range of fields, the book looks closely at various practices of social service provision in a number of different countries, exploring links between values, welfare, and social change, with particular attention to changes brought about by recent austerity measures.

Compares regional conceptions and variations of welfare in relation to national religious traditions across key parts of Europe. Using comparative case studies, the book examines the transition from research to practical policy recommendations, highlighting the similarities and differences between selected European countries.