Reforming the Bismarckian Welfare Systems

This book 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 states have changed a lot. Reforms have followed a similar path, starting with a "labour shedding strategy", giving way in the 1990s to attempts at retrenchment and to the spread of "institutional" reforms aimed at changing the bases of the systems (financing mechanisms, management rules); all these enabling - by the beginning of this century - the multiplication of structural reforms in line with the new global social policy agenda: activation policies, new funded schemes in pension, market mechanisms in health, development of care policies to reconcile work and family life... Gathering among the best 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.

1. Editorial Introduction: From 'a Frozen Landscape' to Structural Reforms: The Sequential Transformation of Bismarckian Welfare Systems (Bruno Palier and Claude Martin). 2. When Past Reforms Open New Opportunities: Comparing Old-age Insurance Reforms in Bismarckian Welfare Systems (Giuliano Bonoli and Bruno Palier).
3. Towards Neo-Bismarckian Health Care States? Comparing Health Insurance Reforms in Bismarckian Welfare Systems (Patrick Hassenteufel and Bruno Palier).
4. Continental Drift: On Unemployment Policy Change in Bismarckian Welfare States (Daniel Clegg).
5. From Subsidiarity to 'Free Choice': Child- and Elder-care Policy Reforms in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands (Nathalie Morel).
6. Activation as a Common Framework for Social Policies towards Lone Parents (Trudie Knijn, Claude Martin and Jane Millar).
7. Long-term Care Policies in Italy, Austria and France: Variations in Cash-for-Care Schemes (Barbara Da Roit, Blanche Le Bihan and August Ö sterle).
8. Family Policies in Germany and France: The Role of Enterprises and Social Partners (Ute Klammer and Marie-Thé rè se Letablier).
Index.