Ke-young Chu, Hamid Davoodi, and Sanjeev Gupta
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- August 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199271412
- eISBN:
- 9780191601255
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199271410.003.0010
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Provides an overview of the changes in income distribution in developing and transition countries in recent decades, and assesses the incidence of taxes and government expenditure in these countries. ...
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Provides an overview of the changes in income distribution in developing and transition countries in recent decades, and assesses the incidence of taxes and government expenditure in these countries. For the overview of income distribution, the chapter relies largely on a set of newly available ‘high‐quality’ income‐distribution data. For the assessment of tax and government expenditure incidence, it relies on existing incidence studies on individual countries. The chapter has five sections: Introduction; The Role of Taxes and Social Spending; Selective Literature Survey—a survey of the studies on the incidence of taxes and expenditure, paying particular attention to the incidence of government spending on education and health, and reviewing the available evidence for a large number of developing countries; Role of Taxes and Government Social Spending Policy—this section offers an overview of the changes in income distribution in developing countries from the 1970s to the 1990s, with separate discussion of the nature of tax reforms and social expenditure policy and their distributional implications in selected countries (Hungary, Indonesia, and Thailand); and Summary and Conclusions.Less
Provides an overview of the changes in income distribution in developing and transition countries in recent decades, and assesses the incidence of taxes and government expenditure in these countries. For the overview of income distribution, the chapter relies largely on a set of newly available ‘high‐quality’ income‐distribution data. For the assessment of tax and government expenditure incidence, it relies on existing incidence studies on individual countries. The chapter has five sections: Introduction; The Role of Taxes and Social Spending; Selective Literature Survey—a survey of the studies on the incidence of taxes and expenditure, paying particular attention to the incidence of government spending on education and health, and reviewing the available evidence for a large number of developing countries; Role of Taxes and Government Social Spending Policy—this section offers an overview of the changes in income distribution in developing countries from the 1970s to the 1990s, with separate discussion of the nature of tax reforms and social expenditure policy and their distributional implications in selected countries (Hungary, Indonesia, and Thailand); and Summary and Conclusions.
Christopher Deeming and Paul Smyth (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447332497
- eISBN:
- 9781447332534
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447332497.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
This book is concerned with ‘Social Investment’, in terms of a supply-side strategy complementing the demand-side emphasis of ‘Inclusive Growth’. Our aim is to show the logic of integrating and ...
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This book is concerned with ‘Social Investment’, in terms of a supply-side strategy complementing the demand-side emphasis of ‘Inclusive Growth’. Our aim is to show the logic of integrating and unifying these new strategies – and some of the challenges ahead - as we move decisively towards forging a new consensus in global policymaking for the twenty-first century based on this new policy perspective: Social Investment for Inclusive Growth.Less
This book is concerned with ‘Social Investment’, in terms of a supply-side strategy complementing the demand-side emphasis of ‘Inclusive Growth’. Our aim is to show the logic of integrating and unifying these new strategies – and some of the challenges ahead - as we move decisively towards forging a new consensus in global policymaking for the twenty-first century based on this new policy perspective: Social Investment for Inclusive Growth.
Paul Copeland
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780719088254
- eISBN:
- 9781781707470
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719088254.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Conflict Politics and Policy
At the heart of the European integration process is the political economy debate over whether the EU should be a market-making project, or if it should combine this with integration in employment and ...
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At the heart of the European integration process is the political economy debate over whether the EU should be a market-making project, or if it should combine this with integration in employment and social policy. What has been the impact of the 2004 and 2007 rounds of enlargement upon the political economy of European integration? EU enlargement, the clash of capitalisms and the European social dimension analyses the impact of the 2004 and 2007 enlargements upon the politics of European integration within EU employment and social policy. This book analyses the main policy negotiations in the field and analyses the political positions and contributions of the Central and Eastern European Member States. Through an analyses of the negotiations of the Services Directive, the revision of the Working Time Directive and the Europe 2020 poverty target, the book argues that the addition of the Central and Eastern European states has strengthened liberal forces at the EU level and undermined integration with EU employment and social policy.Less
At the heart of the European integration process is the political economy debate over whether the EU should be a market-making project, or if it should combine this with integration in employment and social policy. What has been the impact of the 2004 and 2007 rounds of enlargement upon the political economy of European integration? EU enlargement, the clash of capitalisms and the European social dimension analyses the impact of the 2004 and 2007 enlargements upon the politics of European integration within EU employment and social policy. This book analyses the main policy negotiations in the field and analyses the political positions and contributions of the Central and Eastern European Member States. Through an analyses of the negotiations of the Services Directive, the revision of the Working Time Directive and the Europe 2020 poverty target, the book argues that the addition of the Central and Eastern European states has strengthened liberal forces at the EU level and undermined integration with EU employment and social policy.
John Offer
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447323556
- eISBN:
- 9781447323570
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447323556.003.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
This book examines Robert Pinker's selected works on social policy and welfare pluralism, past and present. Pinker began writing on social policy in the 1960s, undertaking research work on issues ...
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This book examines Robert Pinker's selected works on social policy and welfare pluralism, past and present. Pinker began writing on social policy in the 1960s, undertaking research work on issues such as the development of health care within the poor law. He published books devoted to social policy, including Social Theory and Social Policy (1971) and The Idea of Welfare (1979), along with various articles on complementary topics. Pinker's main concern was to rethink the study of social policy, arguing that ‘theory’ should not be confused with ideology or rhetoric. His ideas were primarily built around such themes as stigma, conditional altruism, access to land and property, giving and receiving, and migration and civil war. In Social Theory and Social Policy, Pinker highlighted the distinction in social life between ‘givers’ and ‘receivers’. He also made explicit the areas of study under the heading of ‘sociology of morals’.Less
This book examines Robert Pinker's selected works on social policy and welfare pluralism, past and present. Pinker began writing on social policy in the 1960s, undertaking research work on issues such as the development of health care within the poor law. He published books devoted to social policy, including Social Theory and Social Policy (1971) and The Idea of Welfare (1979), along with various articles on complementary topics. Pinker's main concern was to rethink the study of social policy, arguing that ‘theory’ should not be confused with ideology or rhetoric. His ideas were primarily built around such themes as stigma, conditional altruism, access to land and property, giving and receiving, and migration and civil war. In Social Theory and Social Policy, Pinker highlighted the distinction in social life between ‘givers’ and ‘receivers’. He also made explicit the areas of study under the heading of ‘sociology of morals’.
Gaspar Fajth, Sharmila Kurukulasuriya, and Sólrún Engilbertsdóttir
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847424822
- eISBN:
- 9781447307235
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847424822.003.0021
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
There are critical times in a child's life where failure to intervene can have irreversible impacts on their capabilities and quality of life. Although protecting the rights of all children and ...
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There are critical times in a child's life where failure to intervene can have irreversible impacts on their capabilities and quality of life. Although protecting the rights of all children and reducing inequities in human development are acknowledged needs, strong evidence on how to do so is sparse. It is against this backdrop that the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) initiated, in 2007, the Global Study on Child Poverty and Disparities. This Study now spans 50+ countries in Africa, Asia, CEE/CIS, Latin America and the Middle East. This chapter describes the progress made by this coordinated international effort to highlight the nature and extent of multidimensional child poverty, and explores concrete strategies on how national policies can address poverty and disparities. The analysis looks at why UNICEF launched this effort; what concerns, considerations and principles have shaped it; and analyses the challenges of operationalizing child poverty concepts, measures and responses across five continents. Finally, it examines what lessons this global effort can offer to the international development community and provides recommendations on the way forward.Less
There are critical times in a child's life where failure to intervene can have irreversible impacts on their capabilities and quality of life. Although protecting the rights of all children and reducing inequities in human development are acknowledged needs, strong evidence on how to do so is sparse. It is against this backdrop that the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) initiated, in 2007, the Global Study on Child Poverty and Disparities. This Study now spans 50+ countries in Africa, Asia, CEE/CIS, Latin America and the Middle East. This chapter describes the progress made by this coordinated international effort to highlight the nature and extent of multidimensional child poverty, and explores concrete strategies on how national policies can address poverty and disparities. The analysis looks at why UNICEF launched this effort; what concerns, considerations and principles have shaped it; and analyses the challenges of operationalizing child poverty concepts, measures and responses across five continents. Finally, it examines what lessons this global effort can offer to the international development community and provides recommendations on the way forward.
Tony Maltby, Patricia Kennett, and Kirstein Rummery (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420763
- eISBN:
- 9781447303473
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420763.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
This book provides anyone interested in welfare issues with critical analyses of progress and change in areas of major interest during the past year. Contributions reflect key themes in the UK and ...
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This book provides anyone interested in welfare issues with critical analyses of progress and change in areas of major interest during the past year. Contributions reflect key themes in the UK and internationally. The first part of the collection focuses on developments and change in core UK social policy areas. Part two provides in-depth analyses of topical issues from both UK and international perspectives, while this year's themed section examines ‘Gender and policy’.Less
This book provides anyone interested in welfare issues with critical analyses of progress and change in areas of major interest during the past year. Contributions reflect key themes in the UK and internationally. The first part of the collection focuses on developments and change in core UK social policy areas. Part two provides in-depth analyses of topical issues from both UK and international perspectives, while this year's themed section examines ‘Gender and policy’.
Majella Kilkey and Gaby Ramia (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9781447304470
- eISBN:
- 9781447307662
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447304470.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
This edition of Social Policy Review marks the 40th anniversary of a publication from the UK Social Policy Association devoted to presenting an up-to-date and diverse review of the best in social ...
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This edition of Social Policy Review marks the 40th anniversary of a publication from the UK Social Policy Association devoted to presenting an up-to-date and diverse review of the best in social policy scholarship. It includes a special Anniversary Preface celebrating the publication's evolution and distinctive contributions. Continuing its reputation as a cutting edge, international publication in social policy, Part One of this edition analyses current developments under the UK's Coalition Government across a range of key policy areas. Part Two includes an examination of social policy in ‘developing’ countries, including in Africa and the Arab nations. Part Three considers the fate of social welfare in countries among the worst hit by the ‘economic crisis’, including: Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Iceland. Social Policy Review is essential reading for social policy academics and students and for anyone who is interested in the implications of government policy.Less
This edition of Social Policy Review marks the 40th anniversary of a publication from the UK Social Policy Association devoted to presenting an up-to-date and diverse review of the best in social policy scholarship. It includes a special Anniversary Preface celebrating the publication's evolution and distinctive contributions. Continuing its reputation as a cutting edge, international publication in social policy, Part One of this edition analyses current developments under the UK's Coalition Government across a range of key policy areas. Part Two includes an examination of social policy in ‘developing’ countries, including in Africa and the Arab nations. Part Three considers the fate of social welfare in countries among the worst hit by the ‘economic crisis’, including: Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Iceland. Social Policy Review is essential reading for social policy academics and students and for anyone who is interested in the implications of government policy.
Robert Pinker
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447323556
- eISBN:
- 9781447323570
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447323556.003.0003
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
In this chapter, Robert Pinker considers the ways in which different generations of students perceive the history of social policy as well as the different vantage points in time from which each of ...
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In this chapter, Robert Pinker considers the ways in which different generations of students perceive the history of social policy as well as the different vantage points in time from which each of us look back on our own lives. Pinker first discusses some of the scholars who had influenced his approach to the study of social policy from the 1950s onwards, including Richard Titmuss, T.H. Marshall, Brian Abel-Smith, and O.R. McGregor. He then describes the academic context in which he started his career and wrote Social Theory and Social Policy and explains his interest in developing theories and models of social welfare for purposes of historical and comparative research. Pinker also talks about the variety of topics he explored in his research, such as the moral dynamics of welfare institutions.Less
In this chapter, Robert Pinker considers the ways in which different generations of students perceive the history of social policy as well as the different vantage points in time from which each of us look back on our own lives. Pinker first discusses some of the scholars who had influenced his approach to the study of social policy from the 1950s onwards, including Richard Titmuss, T.H. Marshall, Brian Abel-Smith, and O.R. McGregor. He then describes the academic context in which he started his career and wrote Social Theory and Social Policy and explains his interest in developing theories and models of social welfare for purposes of historical and comparative research. Pinker also talks about the variety of topics he explored in his research, such as the moral dynamics of welfare institutions.
Theodoros Sakellaropoulos
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420206
- eISBN:
- 9781447303794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420206.003.0012
- Subject:
- Sociology, Comparative and Historical Sociology
This chapter analyses and explains Greece's official response to the EU's evolving social policy. Understanding this response requires a careful consideration of the four important factors that ...
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This chapter analyses and explains Greece's official response to the EU's evolving social policy. Understanding this response requires a careful consideration of the four important factors that influence the overall Greek attitude towards the European integration project. These factors are: the country's economic underdevelopment compared to other EU countries; the late and inadequate development of social structures and the welfare state; the wide consensus among major political parties on European integration, based on the predominance of political criteria; and the underdevelopment of civil society and the ineffectiveness of public administration. Greece's reactions to EU policies and initiatives on employment and social protection in recent years were neither sufficient nor consistent nor clear. This problem is reflected by the absence of Greek responses to EU documents. Positions on EU policies are scattered and are accessible to a very closed circle of technocrats near the Prime Minister. In addition to the exclusion of highly educated public servants, Greek ministries do not always pay close attention to EU matters and Greece cannot decisively formulate national positions on European social issues, even in a general way. The Europeanisation of Greek social policy is not always a dynamic process. Although Greek social policy follows the general pace of other Member States, it does not exhibit particular enthusiasm or inspiration. Greek governments are trapped in the quest for pan-European social integration, hence they underestimated and responded unwillingly to ‘minor’ Europan social initiatives such as the open method of coordination, the Green Paper, and the Social Policy Agenda. Greece needs to adopt a more proactive approach and strengthen the managerial and planning capacities of public administration, while granting more authority to medium-level policy makers.Less
This chapter analyses and explains Greece's official response to the EU's evolving social policy. Understanding this response requires a careful consideration of the four important factors that influence the overall Greek attitude towards the European integration project. These factors are: the country's economic underdevelopment compared to other EU countries; the late and inadequate development of social structures and the welfare state; the wide consensus among major political parties on European integration, based on the predominance of political criteria; and the underdevelopment of civil society and the ineffectiveness of public administration. Greece's reactions to EU policies and initiatives on employment and social protection in recent years were neither sufficient nor consistent nor clear. This problem is reflected by the absence of Greek responses to EU documents. Positions on EU policies are scattered and are accessible to a very closed circle of technocrats near the Prime Minister. In addition to the exclusion of highly educated public servants, Greek ministries do not always pay close attention to EU matters and Greece cannot decisively formulate national positions on European social issues, even in a general way. The Europeanisation of Greek social policy is not always a dynamic process. Although Greek social policy follows the general pace of other Member States, it does not exhibit particular enthusiasm or inspiration. Greek governments are trapped in the quest for pan-European social integration, hence they underestimated and responded unwillingly to ‘minor’ Europan social initiatives such as the open method of coordination, the Green Paper, and the Social Policy Agenda. Greece needs to adopt a more proactive approach and strengthen the managerial and planning capacities of public administration, while granting more authority to medium-level policy makers.
Michael Hill
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847423733
- eISBN:
- 9781447303480
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847423733.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
This section of the book presents a three-part structure focusing on developments in the welfare state, a selection of chaPTERS commissioned from the Social Policy Association (SPA) annual ...
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This section of the book presents a three-part structure focusing on developments in the welfare state, a selection of chaPTERS commissioned from the Social Policy Association (SPA) annual conference, and the issue of rescaling of social policy and the governance of challenges that presents to the welfare state. It reflects on contemporary developments in the welfare state in the light of their success or failure, in tackling Beveridge's ‘five evils’ of want, idleness, ignorance, disease and squalor. It presents an examination in a range of issues related to children in social policy for reasons that are deliberate and contingent. It provides contributions that engage with processes by which some of the functions of welfare are being reconstituted at other levels or scales. It notes that the contributions primarily address the reconstitution of welfare functions ‘below’ the level of the nation state.Less
This section of the book presents a three-part structure focusing on developments in the welfare state, a selection of chaPTERS commissioned from the Social Policy Association (SPA) annual conference, and the issue of rescaling of social policy and the governance of challenges that presents to the welfare state. It reflects on contemporary developments in the welfare state in the light of their success or failure, in tackling Beveridge's ‘five evils’ of want, idleness, ignorance, disease and squalor. It presents an examination in a range of issues related to children in social policy for reasons that are deliberate and contingent. It provides contributions that engage with processes by which some of the functions of welfare are being reconstituted at other levels or scales. It notes that the contributions primarily address the reconstitution of welfare functions ‘below’ the level of the nation state.
Pete Alcock
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861342997
- eISBN:
- 9781447304203
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861342997.003.0017
- Subject:
- Sociology, Health, Illness, and Medicine
This chapter deals with the appointment of Richard Titmuss, which is described as ‘social administration’. The professional association which he later co-sponsored is initially called the Social ...
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This chapter deals with the appointment of Richard Titmuss, which is described as ‘social administration’. The professional association which he later co-sponsored is initially called the Social Administration Association. It notes that this has now become the Social Policy Association (SPA) and more generally today the subject is referred to as ‘social policy’ rather than ‘social administration’. It observes that Titmuss's lecture to the new association dismisses an interpretation of administration as the narrow concern with management and technical planning; and his own work encompasses concern with theory and politics as well as organisation and process. It further adds that another current controversy is the extent to which social policy constitutes an academic discipline rather than (merely) a field of study.Less
This chapter deals with the appointment of Richard Titmuss, which is described as ‘social administration’. The professional association which he later co-sponsored is initially called the Social Administration Association. It notes that this has now become the Social Policy Association (SPA) and more generally today the subject is referred to as ‘social policy’ rather than ‘social administration’. It observes that Titmuss's lecture to the new association dismisses an interpretation of administration as the narrow concern with management and technical planning; and his own work encompasses concern with theory and politics as well as organisation and process. It further adds that another current controversy is the extent to which social policy constitutes an academic discipline rather than (merely) a field of study.
Anne Daguerre
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447338338
- eISBN:
- 9781447338376
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447338338.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
How will the social policies of Barack Obama go down in the history books?
Obama's record stands out principally because of the strong political and philosophical commitment to affordable health ...
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How will the social policies of Barack Obama go down in the history books?
Obama's record stands out principally because of the strong political and philosophical commitment to affordable health care. However, the U.S. still performs badly in terms of antipoverty policies compared to other rich nations.
Using new research, Anne Daguerre examines Obama’s legacy on welfare and antipoverty policies, focusing on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (SNAP), and Medicaid. The book provides an up-to-date account of the contemporary politics of poverty and public entitlements in the U.S., comparing this with the Western European experience to assess what lessons can be learnt.
Anne Daguerre explains how the Obama administration's attempts to expand the frontiers of the American welfare state have been confronted by institutional, ideological and constitutional constraints. The presidential capacity to shape legislative outcomes has been severely limited in an era of divided government and hyper-partisan politics.
Barack Obama was faced by a right wing backlash of colossal proportions in the form of the Tea Party movement. Donald Trump represents the continuation of this revolt. However, Trump’s cabinet of insurgents has been unable to run complex government programs. The divided Republican-dominated Congress has failed to offer credible alternatives to Obama’s social policies. The ideological and partisan nature of the anti-Obama backlash could paradoxically help Obama’s signature achievement, the Affordable Care Act, survive the Trump presidency.Less
How will the social policies of Barack Obama go down in the history books?
Obama's record stands out principally because of the strong political and philosophical commitment to affordable health care. However, the U.S. still performs badly in terms of antipoverty policies compared to other rich nations.
Using new research, Anne Daguerre examines Obama’s legacy on welfare and antipoverty policies, focusing on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (SNAP), and Medicaid. The book provides an up-to-date account of the contemporary politics of poverty and public entitlements in the U.S., comparing this with the Western European experience to assess what lessons can be learnt.
Anne Daguerre explains how the Obama administration's attempts to expand the frontiers of the American welfare state have been confronted by institutional, ideological and constitutional constraints. The presidential capacity to shape legislative outcomes has been severely limited in an era of divided government and hyper-partisan politics.
Barack Obama was faced by a right wing backlash of colossal proportions in the form of the Tea Party movement. Donald Trump represents the continuation of this revolt. However, Trump’s cabinet of insurgents has been unable to run complex government programs. The divided Republican-dominated Congress has failed to offer credible alternatives to Obama’s social policies. The ideological and partisan nature of the anti-Obama backlash could paradoxically help Obama’s signature achievement, the Affordable Care Act, survive the Trump presidency.
Uwe Puetter
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780198716242
- eISBN:
- 9780191784903
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198716242.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
The most senior Council configurations—the Economic and Financial Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Council—as well as the Eurogroup, are charged with policy coordination rather than with ...
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The most senior Council configurations—the Economic and Financial Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Council—as well as the Eurogroup, are charged with policy coordination rather than with law-making. They work under the direct supervision of the European Council and meet more frequently than any other Council formation. The shift in focus towards policy coordination and deliberation has been reflected in a series of attempts at institutional engineering, which were aimed at enhancing informal working methods and face-to-face debates between ministers. Council reform was most successful in areas where the distinction between coordination and law-making was particularly pronounced. The case of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, instead, reveals the differences in the two modes of decision-making. Policy coordination within the Council is backed by an increasingly sophisticated system of coordination comitology, which links member state administrations and Commission resources.Less
The most senior Council configurations—the Economic and Financial Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Council—as well as the Eurogroup, are charged with policy coordination rather than with law-making. They work under the direct supervision of the European Council and meet more frequently than any other Council formation. The shift in focus towards policy coordination and deliberation has been reflected in a series of attempts at institutional engineering, which were aimed at enhancing informal working methods and face-to-face debates between ministers. Council reform was most successful in areas where the distinction between coordination and law-making was particularly pronounced. The case of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, instead, reveals the differences in the two modes of decision-making. Policy coordination within the Council is backed by an increasingly sophisticated system of coordination comitology, which links member state administrations and Commission resources.
Tony Maltby, Patricia Kennett, and Kirstein Rummery
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847420763
- eISBN:
- 9781447303473
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847420763.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Research and Statistics
This edition of this book follows the tried and tested structure of previous years. This book is divided into three parts. Part One offers a review of some of the significant developments in UK ...
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This edition of this book follows the tried and tested structure of previous years. This book is divided into three parts. Part One offers a review of some of the significant developments in UK social policy during 2007. Part Two is a selection of chapters which are papers which were delivered to the annual international Social Policy Association (SPA) conference held at the University of Birmingham in July 2007. It explores the experience of work-life balance amongst households in low-income neighbourhoods. Part Three highlights the important issue of gender inequality within the policy process and provides a selection of work from a SPA-sponsored workshop.Less
This edition of this book follows the tried and tested structure of previous years. This book is divided into three parts. Part One offers a review of some of the significant developments in UK social policy during 2007. Part Two is a selection of chapters which are papers which were delivered to the annual international Social Policy Association (SPA) conference held at the University of Birmingham in July 2007. It explores the experience of work-life balance amongst households in low-income neighbourhoods. Part Three highlights the important issue of gender inequality within the policy process and provides a selection of work from a SPA-sponsored workshop.
Robert Pinker
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447323556
- eISBN:
- 9781447323570
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447323556.003.0007
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
In this chapter, Robert Pinker discusses Richard Titmuss's role in the making of British social policy studies after World War II. He begins with his impressions of Titmuss and his early experiences, ...
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In this chapter, Robert Pinker discusses Richard Titmuss's role in the making of British social policy studies after World War II. He begins with his impressions of Titmuss and his early experiences, and how his thoughts on the ends and means of social policy developed to maturity. In 1950, Titmuss published Problems of Social Policy, a study of the impact of war on British civil society and the response of the social services. During that same year, he was appointed to the Chair of Social Administration at the London School of Economics. Pinker considers a number of distinctive and often controversial features that characterised Titmuss's collectivist and unitary approach to the discussion of social policy and social problems. He also talks about the ‘conditional’ as opposed to what Titmuss claims is the open-ended nature of altruism and reciprocity in everyday life by focusing on on Titmuss's 1970 book The Gift Relationship.Less
In this chapter, Robert Pinker discusses Richard Titmuss's role in the making of British social policy studies after World War II. He begins with his impressions of Titmuss and his early experiences, and how his thoughts on the ends and means of social policy developed to maturity. In 1950, Titmuss published Problems of Social Policy, a study of the impact of war on British civil society and the response of the social services. During that same year, he was appointed to the Chair of Social Administration at the London School of Economics. Pinker considers a number of distinctive and often controversial features that characterised Titmuss's collectivist and unitary approach to the discussion of social policy and social problems. He also talks about the ‘conditional’ as opposed to what Titmuss claims is the open-ended nature of altruism and reciprocity in everyday life by focusing on on Titmuss's 1970 book The Gift Relationship.
Wei-Jun Jean Yeung
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199990313
- eISBN:
- 9780199346363
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199990313.003.0013
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
In 1999, China implemented one of the most important educational policies in recent decades–college expansion, allowing more than five times as many youth per year to attend colleges since then. This ...
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In 1999, China implemented one of the most important educational policies in recent decades–college expansion, allowing more than five times as many youth per year to attend colleges since then. This paper describes the historical policy reforms in higher education in China, compares college attendance trends in China to other countries, and explores the extent to which access to higher education across different social strata has changed in post-expansion years. The analysis is based on pooled data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) collected in 2005 and 2006. Results suggest that gender gap in college attendance has significantly narrowed. Stark disparities remain by urban/rurualhukou origin and by family socioeconomic background. However, data do not allow an adequate evaluationstudy of the college expansion policy. The paper discusses unintended consequences of this policy such as an increase in unemployment rate for college graduates and a potential decline of the quality of higher education in China, as well as some of the measures used by the government to alleviate such problems. Finally, I suggest that abolishing hukou system to allow greater mobility in the labor market will help alleviate the regional mismatch between the supply and demand. More resources allocated to the rural areas and to minority groups from school systems much earlier than at college entrance time is critical in reducing regional and class inequality in higher education in China.Less
In 1999, China implemented one of the most important educational policies in recent decades–college expansion, allowing more than five times as many youth per year to attend colleges since then. This paper describes the historical policy reforms in higher education in China, compares college attendance trends in China to other countries, and explores the extent to which access to higher education across different social strata has changed in post-expansion years. The analysis is based on pooled data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) collected in 2005 and 2006. Results suggest that gender gap in college attendance has significantly narrowed. Stark disparities remain by urban/rurualhukou origin and by family socioeconomic background. However, data do not allow an adequate evaluationstudy of the college expansion policy. The paper discusses unintended consequences of this policy such as an increase in unemployment rate for college graduates and a potential decline of the quality of higher education in China, as well as some of the measures used by the government to alleviate such problems. Finally, I suggest that abolishing hukou system to allow greater mobility in the labor market will help alleviate the regional mismatch between the supply and demand. More resources allocated to the rural areas and to minority groups from school systems much earlier than at college entrance time is critical in reducing regional and class inequality in higher education in China.
Bob Deacon
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781447312338
- eISBN:
- 9781447312383
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447312338.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
This chapter argues that the SPF resulted from the intersection of the biographies of three individuals: the Head of the Social Security Department at the ILO, the Director General of the ILO and his ...
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This chapter argues that the SPF resulted from the intersection of the biographies of three individuals: the Head of the Social Security Department at the ILO, the Director General of the ILO and his Social Protection Advisor in his Cabinet with the idea that the world needed a global social floor which had for some time been advanced by a policy advocacy coalition. This was, essentially, an idea whose time had come with the new circumstances of the 2008 global economic crisis which provided the opportunity for the UN Chief Executive Board to act, an idea that could find an unlikely home inside the institution of the ILO which was open to a degree of policy change because of the de facto circumstance of the development of forms of social protection in Latin America and Africa. The subsequent endorsement by the G20, building on earlier work with the G8, was largely due to determined work by individuals working in the context of the fortuitous interest by France in having Social Protection on its G20 agenda. The chapter locates this explanation in the context of the theories of Global Social Policy Change including the Agency, Structure, Institution and Discourse (ASID) framework.Less
This chapter argues that the SPF resulted from the intersection of the biographies of three individuals: the Head of the Social Security Department at the ILO, the Director General of the ILO and his Social Protection Advisor in his Cabinet with the idea that the world needed a global social floor which had for some time been advanced by a policy advocacy coalition. This was, essentially, an idea whose time had come with the new circumstances of the 2008 global economic crisis which provided the opportunity for the UN Chief Executive Board to act, an idea that could find an unlikely home inside the institution of the ILO which was open to a degree of policy change because of the de facto circumstance of the development of forms of social protection in Latin America and Africa. The subsequent endorsement by the G20, building on earlier work with the G8, was largely due to determined work by individuals working in the context of the fortuitous interest by France in having Social Protection on its G20 agenda. The chapter locates this explanation in the context of the theories of Global Social Policy Change including the Agency, Structure, Institution and Discourse (ASID) framework.
Javier Ramos-Díaz and Albert Varela
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9781447304470
- eISBN:
- 9781447307662
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447304470.003.0012
- Subject:
- Social Work, Social Policy
Since the mid 1990s, Spain enjoyed a decade of sustained growth that appeared to give a definitive impulse to convergence with its European counterparts. The 2008 crisis, however, brought this ...
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Since the mid 1990s, Spain enjoyed a decade of sustained growth that appeared to give a definitive impulse to convergence with its European counterparts. The 2008 crisis, however, brought this economic miracle to a halt and exposed the shaky foundations of Spain's economic performance. The Socialist government initially saw this crisis as an opportunity to kick-start a process of economic transformation by implementing a wide-ranging stimulus package, but soon markets started targeting Spanish bonds for the country's growing public deficit, banking sector problems, lack of competitiveness and weak growth prospects. The government reacted by implementing a severe austerity programme of deficit reduction, banking sector restructuring and financial stabilisation, but these measures have proved ineffective in appeasing market pressure in the context of the Eurozone economic and governance crisis.Less
Since the mid 1990s, Spain enjoyed a decade of sustained growth that appeared to give a definitive impulse to convergence with its European counterparts. The 2008 crisis, however, brought this economic miracle to a halt and exposed the shaky foundations of Spain's economic performance. The Socialist government initially saw this crisis as an opportunity to kick-start a process of economic transformation by implementing a wide-ranging stimulus package, but soon markets started targeting Spanish bonds for the country's growing public deficit, banking sector problems, lack of competitiveness and weak growth prospects. The government reacted by implementing a severe austerity programme of deficit reduction, banking sector restructuring and financial stabilisation, but these measures have proved ineffective in appeasing market pressure in the context of the Eurozone economic and governance crisis.
Alexandra Lopes
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781447301066
- eISBN:
- 9781447311393
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447301066.003.0010
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Traditionally grounded on a ‘family model’, Southern European countries have come to terms with the recognition that there is a need to develop community care, social policy and to regulate long term ...
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Traditionally grounded on a ‘family model’, Southern European countries have come to terms with the recognition that there is a need to develop community care, social policy and to regulate long term care funding. However, a straightforward move from a ‘family-model’ to a modern ‘community-based model’ is tough to achieve in times of severe cuts in social expenditure. Faced with the prospect of withdrawal of existing social programs as a way to contain public debt and deficits, Southern European countries have to be creative and put to good use their familist assets.In this paper we analyze some elements of the recent Portuguese LTC reform that we believe can provide good insights to thinking about a smooth transition to a Southern European community-based care model.Less
Traditionally grounded on a ‘family model’, Southern European countries have come to terms with the recognition that there is a need to develop community care, social policy and to regulate long term care funding. However, a straightforward move from a ‘family-model’ to a modern ‘community-based model’ is tough to achieve in times of severe cuts in social expenditure. Faced with the prospect of withdrawal of existing social programs as a way to contain public debt and deficits, Southern European countries have to be creative and put to good use their familist assets.In this paper we analyze some elements of the recent Portuguese LTC reform that we believe can provide good insights to thinking about a smooth transition to a Southern European community-based care model.
Philip Ollerenshaw
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780719090509
- eISBN:
- 9781781706206
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719090509.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
The consequences of the war are assessed in the Conclusion. Although there was considerable improvement in the unemployment figures, the regional economy lagged behind Britain. However, the post-war ...
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The consequences of the war are assessed in the Conclusion. Although there was considerable improvement in the unemployment figures, the regional economy lagged behind Britain. However, the post-war social reforms brought major benefits to the population. Relations between the Unionist Government and the Labour Government were much better than had been feared. When Eire finally left the Commonwealth and became a republic in 1949, London responded with the Ireland Act which seemed to copper-fasten Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom. If unionists took heart from many economic, social and political developments in the post-war years, it remained the case that the grievances of the minority population remained unaddressed. Anti-partition activity increased after the war in Britain, Ireland and the United States and, together with minority grievances, would lead to the civil rights campaign and the Troubles from the 1960s.Less
The consequences of the war are assessed in the Conclusion. Although there was considerable improvement in the unemployment figures, the regional economy lagged behind Britain. However, the post-war social reforms brought major benefits to the population. Relations between the Unionist Government and the Labour Government were much better than had been feared. When Eire finally left the Commonwealth and became a republic in 1949, London responded with the Ireland Act which seemed to copper-fasten Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom. If unionists took heart from many economic, social and political developments in the post-war years, it remained the case that the grievances of the minority population remained unaddressed. Anti-partition activity increased after the war in Britain, Ireland and the United States and, together with minority grievances, would lead to the civil rights campaign and the Troubles from the 1960s.
