Abstract
This chapter first presents evidence on levels of poverty, welfare support and inequality across Europe. It compares and contrasts especially the position and support for those out of or at the margins of the labour market under different welfare states to reveal the significant differences between the UK on the one hand and the Nordic and Benelux countries on the other hand. The chapter then proposes that the implications of inequalities and exclusion are of relevance to wider considerations of economic and industrial performance. Next, the chapter argues that the very high levels of poverty and inequality inherent in the neo-liberal policies of the UK cannot generate the conditions for simultaneously reducing public sector deficits and stimulating demand so that worklessness and exclusion inevitably will continue. The chapter concludes that an alternative social democratic paradigm is required based on solidarity, equity and fiscal responsibility to address this self-defeating feedback.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | New Perspectives on Health, Disability, Welfare and the Labour Market |
Publisher | Wiley-Blackwell |
Pages | 151-173 |
Number of pages | 23 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781119145486 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781119145516 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Oct 2015 |
Keywords
- Benelux countries
- Neo-liberal policies
- Nordic countries
- Social democracy
- Social exclusion
- Spatial inequalities
- UK welfare policies
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences