This book is the first to examine the social and political construction of anti-poverty programs in Central and Eastern Europe, which has faced serious hardships as it has transitioned from communist rule to capitalism beset by economic crisis. It explores a range of different attitudes held about poverty-stricken people and illustrates how the distinction between deserving and undeserving poor has evolved over the years, effected by external pressures from groups like the European Union and World Bank. By examining poverty policies against the commonly held attitudes about the poor that have...

This volume presents a new perspective for discussing the European social contract and its main challenges, bringing together single-nation and comparative studies from across Europe. Presenting both theoretical discussions and empirical case studies, it explores various aspects of social cohesion, including social protection, the labour market, social movements, healthcare, social inequalities and poverty. With particular attention to the effects of the international economic and financial crisis on social cohesion, particularly in the light of the implementation of so-called 'austerity...