- Sweden
The increased globalisation of the world economy and the collapse of communism as a social system have introduced new challenges facing national policy formulation. The nation-state has been weakened, as it is much less the master of its... more
The increased globalisation of the world economy and the collapse of
communism as a social system have introduced new challenges facing national
policy formulation. The nation-state has been weakened, as it is much less the
master of its own destiny. Even in traditionally strong national policy areas such as
welfare, this development can be felt and seen.
In what way has the recent global economic and political changes influenced
social policy making in Europe? What are the major changes in social policy in
Eastern and Western Europe in the last decades? What are the future prospects of
social welfare systems on our continent? These are the major questions that we aim
to address in this paper.
First we describe the more general context of political and economic
transformation with relation to social policy. Such concepts as ‘globalisation’ and
‘welfare state’ are discussed. Hereafter, we take a closer look at the developments
in three European countries with very different welfare traditions, namely
Germany, Romania and Sweden. Considering the differences between these
countries, we believe they can help us to see that there are similar challenges facing
all countries, at the same time as they operate within their own specific context and
have very different problems and responses. In the conclusion, we discuss the
future potential outlook for European welfare states in general, and for Germany,
Romania and Sweden in particular.
communism as a social system have introduced new challenges facing national
policy formulation. The nation-state has been weakened, as it is much less the
master of its own destiny. Even in traditionally strong national policy areas such as
welfare, this development can be felt and seen.
In what way has the recent global economic and political changes influenced
social policy making in Europe? What are the major changes in social policy in
Eastern and Western Europe in the last decades? What are the future prospects of
social welfare systems on our continent? These are the major questions that we aim
to address in this paper.
First we describe the more general context of political and economic
transformation with relation to social policy. Such concepts as ‘globalisation’ and
‘welfare state’ are discussed. Hereafter, we take a closer look at the developments
in three European countries with very different welfare traditions, namely
Germany, Romania and Sweden. Considering the differences between these
countries, we believe they can help us to see that there are similar challenges facing
all countries, at the same time as they operate within their own specific context and
have very different problems and responses. In the conclusion, we discuss the
future potential outlook for European welfare states in general, and for Germany,
Romania and Sweden in particular.
Research Interests:
This chapter talks about how to engage with co-produced research and participatory practices from a community perspective. It discusses how co-produced interdisciplinary research experiences and knowledge exchanges facilitate interaction... more
This chapter talks about how to engage with co-produced research and participatory practices from a community perspective. It discusses how co-produced interdisciplinary research experiences and knowledge exchanges facilitate interaction with members of the community, with academics and with artists as a part of the Productive Margins project. The programme is seeking to remap the terrain of regulation, by involving the knowledge, passions, and creativity of citizens often considered on the margins of politics and policymaking. However, rather than examining the progress and outcomes of the research project itself, the chapter analyses the settings and process leading up to the establishment of the research project: the formation of the working group where they explored the theme of poverty; and the Research Forum where academics and community partners came together to share knowledge and interdisciplinary ways forward.
Research Interests:
Based on 20 years of experience involving marginalized singles mothers in participatory knowledge projects, this article provides a personal and critical reflection on the importance of the contexts within which such projects develop.... more
Based on 20 years of experience involving marginalized singles mothers in participatory knowledge projects, this article provides a personal and critical reflection on the importance of the contexts within which such projects develop. Through concrete examples of projects, developed during different historical periods and welfare regimes, the author illustrates how the political and economic context can create both opportunities and barriers for the participation of the disadvantaged groups and the grassroots organizations that represent them. Some of the tensions too as benefits that can arise when more radical self-organized grassroots groups collaborate with academic institutions are also highlighted. Finally, ethical issues regarding the ideals of commitment of marginalized groups within a welfare context where the time to participate is regulated and limited raises. Consequently, it is argued, there is a need for wider critical reflection and continuous dialogue about how the b...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The increased globalisation of the world economy and the collapse of communism as a social system have introduced new challenges facing national policy formulation. The nation-state has been weakened, as it is much less the master of its... more
The increased globalisation of the world economy and the collapse of communism as a social system have introduced new challenges facing national policy formulation. The nation-state has been weakened, as it is much less the master of its own destiny. Even in traditionally strong national policy areas such as
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
<p>This chapter talks about how to engage with co-produced research and participatory practices from a community perspective. It discusses how co-produced interdisciplinary research experiences and knowledge exchanges facilitate... more
<p>This chapter talks about how to engage with co-produced research and participatory practices from a community perspective. It discusses how co-produced interdisciplinary research experiences and knowledge exchanges facilitate interaction with members of the community, with academics and with artists as a part of the Productive Margins project. The programme is seeking to remap the terrain of regulation, by involving the knowledge, passions, and creativity of citizens often considered on the margins of politics and policymaking. However, rather than examining the progress and outcomes of the research project itself, the chapter analyses the settings and process leading up to the establishment of the research project: the formation of the working group where they explored the theme of poverty; and the Research Forum where academics and community partners came together to share knowledge and interdisciplinary ways forward.</p>
Research Interests:
Within the confines of the receding Swedish welfare state, family homelessness and poverty are on the rise among one-parent families, in particular those headed by a single migrant mother. This development follows a trend that is... more
Within the confines of the receding Swedish welfare state, family homelessness and poverty are on the rise among one-parent families, in particular those headed by a single migrant mother. This development follows a trend that is noticeable across advanced welfare states, where female-headed households are facing an increased risk of being locked into vicious circles of low-paid work, inadequate income protection schemes and poor housing options. Contextualized against a wider global political-economic backdrop of rising inequalities and structural changes that take localized forms, this thesis investigates family homelessness and poverty in Sweden through what is referred to as a ‘singlemother perspective’. This is an approach where welfare policy and politicalinstitutional arrangements are analysed through the lens of everyday experiences and struggles conveyed by marginalized single mothers. By placing the ideas and experiences of single mothers at the centre of the analysis, the...