Indications of Social Policy Convergence in Europe

Abstract

This paper explores the extent to which, and the ways in which, it m&ht be justaaed in talking of a movement towards convergence of social policy within Europe. It reviews dq5nitions and ppologies ofthe werare state as a prelude to discussion ofthe dfferent theoretical types and possibilities of social policy integration, which h e r leads into consideration of supranational EU developments. The empirical data presented in respect of "social protection" expenditures (and taxation regimes) in general and of "active" and 'yassive" labour market expenditures in particular, lend support to the notion not mereg that the werare state is notyet over in Europe, but that forms ofsocialpolicy convergence are in evidence already.

Patterns of Welfare State Indicators in the EU: Is there Convergence?

“…Empirically, scholars found no evidence supporting this hypothesis. Greve (1996) assesses the impact of European integration on social policies and he finds upward convergence of the expenditures on social protection in 12 EU countries in the period 1980–93. Cornelisse and Goudswaard (2002) find not only an upward convergence in social benefit expenditures, but also in gross replacement rates of unemployment benefits.…”

Welfare state values in the European Union, 2002–2008. A multilevel investigation of formal institutions and individual attitudes

“…To date, investigations of welfare state models within the EU have concentrated on the national level. For example, prior ESM research focuses on differences within the EU regarding social policies and labour market activation, whether or not there is welfare state convergence within the EU, and the extent to which the European Employment Strategy (EES) and the Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC) have an impact on domestic institutions (Alsasua et al 2007;Bouget 2003;Greve 1996;Leibfried 2000;López-Santana 2006;Pollack 2005;Radaelli 2003;Rhodes 1995;Scharpf 1997;). In these national-level studies the tacit assumption is that national policies and institutions reflect the values underlying welfare state systems of EU countries.…”

The EU integration process and the convergence of social protection benefits at national level

“…Other authors have worked with social expenditure variables, some using classical indicators in the analysis of social security benefits, such as coverage and replacement rates (Cornellisse & Goudswaard, 2002; Johnson, 1999), and others referring exclusively to aggregate social expenditure levels. Of the latter, some merely offer static comparisons (Barrada, 1997; Boscá, Fernández & Taguas, 1997; Fernández, 1993; Greeve, 1996), while others offer a dynamic perspective (Alber & Standing, 2000; Alonso, Galindo & Sosvilla‐Rivero, 1997; Castles, 2001; Herce, Sosvilla‐Rivero & de Lucio, 1998).…”