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New Social Risks in Central and Eastern Europe: The Need for a New Empowering Politics of the Welfare State
[journal article]
Abstract This article examines the economic and social transformation occurring in post-communist societies, with a particular focus on the emergence of new social risks (NSRs) and the subsequent welfare state responses. It argues that Central and Eastern European countries are characterised by broader NSR t... view more
This article examines the economic and social transformation occurring in post-communist societies, with a particular focus on the emergence of new social risks (NSRs) and the subsequent welfare state responses. It argues that Central and Eastern European countries are characterised by broader NSR types (a mix of old and new social risks) and groups than those present in the West. In order to deal more effectively with the requirements of the post-industrial, knowledge-based, and service economy, the reasons for a new political economy of skill formation and for a new empowering politics of the welfare state capable of strengthening the potential of individuals to adapt to more fl exible labour markets are discussed. The new empowering politics of the welfare state proposed here would consist of four main pillars: 1) a guaranteed minimum income; 2) a basic income for children; 3) state investments for education and human capital formation; and 4) a guaranteed basic pension. The aim is to empower the individual through de-commodification, childhood investment, human capital formation, and a rebalancing of life risks. The article concludes by refl ecting on the political feasibility of this proposal.... view less
Classification
Social Policy
Free Keywords
Central and Eastern Europe; social change; welfare state reforms; new social risks; new political economy of skill formation; new empowering politics of the welfare state
Document language
English
Publication Year
2008
Page/Pages
1089–1110 p.
Journal
Sociologický časopis / Czech Sociological Review, 44 (2008) 5
Status
Published Version; reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications