Public social services are a key component of the welfare state in most of Europe, albeit their development trajectories, coverage and legal status still vary considerably among countries. How such services are provided and for whom bears significantly on social and territorial cohesion, on gender balance and, ultimately, on the development of any society. However, while much is discussed and written about social policy and welfare systems, social services are somewhat neglected. Although they have gained a stronger foothold in national legislations and social policy agendas, their status remains weaker compared to education or health. Moreover, because of the austerity measures following the 2008 financial crisis, they have been subject to cuts and reorganisation which have brought about significant disruption. And yet, social services deserve greater attention. The public provision of in-kind services not only generates welfare, social inclusion and jobs, but also contributes to a balanced economic growth. This is also a field where national, regional and local variations are large and more detailed empirical evidence is needed. The theoretical debate on social policy and welfare states needs thus to be enriched by comparatively informed research on the restructuring of social services. This book seeks to revive the discussion on public social services and their redesign, with a focus on care services and services that promote the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. It conveys the main findings of the COST Action IS1102 SO.S. COHESION - Social Services, Welfare States and Places. The restructuring of social services in Europe and its impact on social and territorial cohesion and governance, which involved 24 countries, over 40 research and university institutions and close to 90 researchers. It provides rich information on the changes that occurred in the organisation and supply of public social services over the last thirty years in different European places and service fields. Despite the persisting variety in social service models, three shared trends emerge: public sector retrenchment, ‘vertical re-scaling’ of authority and ‘horizontal re-mix’ in the supply system. The consequences of such changes are evaluated from different perspectives – governance, social and territorial cohesion, labour market, gender – and are eventually deemed ‘disruptive’ in both economic and social terms. The policy implications of the restructuring are also explored.The book is intended for a broad audience: researchers and students, policy-makers, civil servants, service providers, social workers and users’ organisations. To this end, an electronic version is available open access on the Edward Elgar website.
Social Services Disrupted. Changes, Challenges and Policy Implications for Europe in Times of Austerity
Martinelli Flavia;
2017-01-01
Abstract
Public social services are a key component of the welfare state in most of Europe, albeit their development trajectories, coverage and legal status still vary considerably among countries. How such services are provided and for whom bears significantly on social and territorial cohesion, on gender balance and, ultimately, on the development of any society. However, while much is discussed and written about social policy and welfare systems, social services are somewhat neglected. Although they have gained a stronger foothold in national legislations and social policy agendas, their status remains weaker compared to education or health. Moreover, because of the austerity measures following the 2008 financial crisis, they have been subject to cuts and reorganisation which have brought about significant disruption. And yet, social services deserve greater attention. The public provision of in-kind services not only generates welfare, social inclusion and jobs, but also contributes to a balanced economic growth. This is also a field where national, regional and local variations are large and more detailed empirical evidence is needed. The theoretical debate on social policy and welfare states needs thus to be enriched by comparatively informed research on the restructuring of social services. This book seeks to revive the discussion on public social services and their redesign, with a focus on care services and services that promote the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. It conveys the main findings of the COST Action IS1102 SO.S. COHESION - Social Services, Welfare States and Places. The restructuring of social services in Europe and its impact on social and territorial cohesion and governance, which involved 24 countries, over 40 research and university institutions and close to 90 researchers. It provides rich information on the changes that occurred in the organisation and supply of public social services over the last thirty years in different European places and service fields. Despite the persisting variety in social service models, three shared trends emerge: public sector retrenchment, ‘vertical re-scaling’ of authority and ‘horizontal re-mix’ in the supply system. The consequences of such changes are evaluated from different perspectives – governance, social and territorial cohesion, labour market, gender – and are eventually deemed ‘disruptive’ in both economic and social terms. The policy implications of the restructuring are also explored.The book is intended for a broad audience: researchers and students, policy-makers, civil servants, service providers, social workers and users’ organisations. To this end, an electronic version is available open access on the Edward Elgar website.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
