By illustrating the similarities and differences within and across countries, this book reflects on the current role of social insurance, recent policy changes and pressures for reform in 10 European countries: UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden and Denmark.
The book summaries the main arguments and highlights the lessons to be learnt, reflecting on European experiences regarding social insurance and social security as a whole.
Central questions addressed in the book are:
What are the institutional and political forces which have shaped national systems?
Are national governments diminishing the role of social insurance?
Does social insurance have a future or is it an outdated welfare arrangement?
Can the UK learn from experiences elsewhere?
Social insurance in Europe provides a valuable contribution to the current debate about the future of the welfare state. It is essential reading for students and academics in the fields of social policy, European studies, sociology and political science and for all those concerned about the future of social security protection in modern society.