Welfare State At Risk Rising Inequality In Europe Introduction

The role of welfare states in the European Union is under threat mainly by an ageing society, the harder global economic competition and the economic crisis, which is met by neoliberal strategies. The following introduction provides an overview of the main functions of the welfare state: fighting inequality and social exclusion, guaranteeing social peace, and contributing to economic development. Furthermore, we like to show, that these traditional functions of the welfare state are currently discussed by alternating new concepts aiming at the well-being of the people and the quality of life. In addition, the introduction gives an overview on the different chapters of the book and their specific topics.