This volume systematically compares the development of all social programmes over the last three decades in Continental Europe. It demonstrates that, contrary to the common view, 'Bismarckian' welfare systems have changed significantly. Reforms have followed a similar path and the 'conservative corporatist' welfare regimes have drifted from a 'labour shedding' strategy to the adoption of the dominant social policy agenda including activation policies, new pillars in pensions, market mechanisms in health, and the development of care policies. With contributions from leading European specialists of welfare state comparisons, this book organises comprehensive and up-to-date information on European welfare state reforms in an analytical framework which allows a new approach to social policy changes.
