Globalization and European Welfare States Challenges and Change

This text seeks to counter the recent vogue for somewhat unsubstantiated speculation about the impact of globalization upon welfare states. Combining both theoretical and empirical analysis it asks 'What is globalization, and how has it been implicated in recent changes to European welfare states?' Covering all the major European welfare systems, it suggests new empirical and theoretical perspectives. Globalization processes exist, but their link with welfare change is complex, and varies both between countries and types of welfare state.

Robert Sykes is Principal Lecturer in Social Policy, Sheffield Hallam University.

Bruno Palier is ChargT de Recherche--CNRS in Centre d'Ttudes de la vie politique frantais, Paris.

Pauline M. Prior is Lecturer in Social Policy, The Queen's University of Belfast.