Nová sociální rizika a reformní trendy evropských sociálních států v reakci na ně

Abstract

The article presents a concept of new social risks developed by Esping-Andersen (1999), and Armingeon, Bonoli (2006) and general reform trends of welfare states in reaction on these risks. The first part of the study concerns development and reform trends in Western European countries. The second part focuses on specificity of new social risks and reform trends in Central and Eastern European countries. The article concludes that general trends of welfare state reforms in response to emerging social risks in the countries of Western and of Central and Eastern Europe are alike. Emphasis is placed on strengthening of competitiveness and employability and on expanding of opportunities, for instance by lifelong education, by instruments of active employment policy, but also by socialization of care services to facilitate reconciling of work and family life. At the same time, trends of reinforcing the principle of self-responsibility for social welfare, the individualization of social risks and the involvement of other social actors (especially employers) in solving problems associated with new social risks have occurred.

Social Risks as the Source of Threats and Concerns: The Survey in the Czech Republic

“…In line with Klimplova's conclusion [11], our study has shown an subjectively risk of increase in the number of unemployed and the subjectively perceived risk of skills obsolescence, with the associated risk of maintaining adequate employment. Furthermore, our study found a subjectively risk of under-qualification, and an unwillingness to educate or train.…”

“…Klimplová [11] examined new social risks in central and eastern European countries in the transition from centrally planned to market economies. These include a rise in the number of unemployed persons, a significant decline in the agricultural and industrial workforce, the formation of a new managerial elite (class), the abandonment of lifetime employment status (for more flexible employment contracts), a decline in fertility rates, an ageing population, fewer marriages, higher divorce rates, and increasing poverty among both single parents with children and households with multiple children.…”