Conference framework
The conference will aim to tackle the following questions:- National or Transnational Social Policy, to discuss the effects of globalization on national policies.
- The role of international players in social policy. What is the role of supranational organizations such as the EU, the World Bank, the WTO, the IMF or agreements like the NAFTA?
- Other global regions where a new wind is blowing. Is there anything for Europe to learn?
- Following the US model. Is Europe falling behind or gone too far?
- Methodology of the welfare state change. How well do we measure and evaluate the changes/reforms of the welfare state?
Background
The European Social Model has always been considered as unique. Even in the era of globalization and strong international competition, with economic growth being the ultimate target, the European Union has set the aim to sustain social cohesion while becoming ‘the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world’. This aim is apparently distinguishing Europe from the US.
Nevertheless, the social model of Europe is undoubtedly under strain.
Universal social welfare is being gradually replaced by activation and means-tested policies. Job and employment security are becoming less important in policy making. Policies that facilitate competitiveness and entrepreneurship take the lead. Public provision of health and education is abolished.
Conference purpose
The purpose of this conference is to raise and discuss issues that place the European Social Model in a global perspective.
The EU aims at pursuing economic growth while sustaining social cohesion. Is this possible in an era of strong international competition? Can social policy be determined at the national or regional level or is the ‘invisible hand of the market’ so powerful that can force governments and supranational organizations to abolish the welfare state?
On the one hand, it is apparent that Europe has incorporated many neo-liberal policies that originated in the US. Some countries, such as China and India, are following the same path by introducing and strengthening the market economy. Were these changes necessary, were they just driven by political choices or were they even inadequate?
On the other hand, other countries in the world are following a different route than Europe. When Europe is privatizing, some countries of Latin America are increasing the control of the state on several sectors of the economy. When the free market is being introduced in health and education in Europe, the right to free health and education is promoted in countries of Latin America. Do these developments constitute a different option of sustainable social policy? Has Europe anything to learn from them?