The Context of New Social Policies in Europe

Abstract

The last ten years have seen the diffusion of new social risks accompanied by profound demographic transformations and changes in the structure of employment in almost all the countries of the European Union. The crisis of the Fordist organization of work, the lengthening of average life expectancy and the increased instability of the family have all contributed in increasing social inequalities. At the same time a large part of the population of Europe is now exposed to social risk previously rare or confined to specific geographical regions or areas of society: homelessness, intolerance, new social pathologies determined by social isolation and the need for care are appearing. Furthermore, the increase in the demand for care is pervading social groups that until recently were used to satisfy this demand through public welfare provision; today they see access to the providence of welfare reduced as a consequence of rationing policies pursued by the governments of many European countries.