Analysis of social models in Central and Eastern Europe - A focus on poverty and social exclusion

Abstract

In the present context, defined by a variety of social changes, social advancement is a key point that needs to be sheltered and ensured both in Romania as well as at the level of the European Union, in order to have a coherent European space, to reach and maintain a high level of social and economic welfare. The improvement of the social domain can be triggered by using the principles of the European Social Model, which incorporates values and institutions specially established to protect the integrity of people who are socially disadvantaged. Thus, the paper aims, on one hand, to analyze literature review aspects of the European Social Model as being a social development one and to identify the criteria according to which progress is established in relationship with this model. On the other hand, another goal of the paper is to make a comparative analysis between Romania's performance in the context of Central and Eastern European countries' situation. The purpose of the analysis is to diagnose the progress recorded and the social area in which it took place, as well as the differences between countries. The focus of the analysis will be placed on poverty and social exclusion, as dimensions of the European Social Model. The methodology that will help in undertaking the research comprises two elements: literature review and document analysis. The literature review component involves pinpointing information obtained from scientific articles about the European Social Model and aspects associated with it, available in online databases. The second part of the methodology refers to document analysis, which supposes the assessment of reports issued by organizations that provide such statistical data (Eurostat, World Bank, Social Progress Imperative).

The evolution of social policy research in Central and Eastern Europe

“…The CEE region is diverse, with poverty being prevalent to a different extent (Alam et al, 2005;Argatu, 2018). In this section we aim to provide an overview of the main factors influencing poverty research in the CEE since the 1990s, including the legacy effects of the socialist era, post-communist liberalization, the influence of international agencies, and the process of euro integration.…”

Social Policy in Changing European Societies

“…The CEE region is diverse, with poverty being prevalent to a different extent (Alam et al, 2005;Argatu, 2018). In this section we aim to provide an overview of the main factors influencing poverty research in the CEE since the 1990s, including the legacy effects of the socialist era, post-communist liberalization, the influence of international agencies, and the process of euro integration.…”

Romania and its poverty-alleviating competitiveness: a Central and Eastern European outlook

“…In time, the comprehension of poverty was made in relationship with the material deprivation of a person and with the social implications posed on one hand for the community at large, and on the other hand, for the people who are not affected by poverty (Hartley, 2016). When attempting to quantify its effects, one may utilize the poverty rate or measures indicating the quality of a person's living standards: water accessibility, possession of durable goods, educational standing and consumption expenses (Argatu, 2018).…”