This book examines the efficiency and effectiveness of economic policies in Europe, and explores the implications for social equity. It argues for an integrated approach to economic and social objectives, and discusses the ways in which welfare states and institutions can contribute to equity and efficiency objectives.

About the Author(s)

Lilia Costabile

LILIA COSTABILE is Professor of Economics at the University of Naples, Italy, and Senior Member at Clare Hall, Cambridge University. She has been the Vice-President of the Italian Economic Association (Società Italiana degli Economisti). Her research interests include the theory of institutions, macroeconomics and monetary theory. She is the author of articles in journals such as The Economic Journal and The Cambridge Journal of Economics, and books, including Institutions and Economic Development in Southern Italy, of which she is the editor.

Table of Contents

Introduction; L.Costabile
European Union Social Policy in a Globalising Context; A.B.Atkinson
Conditions of Social Vulnerability, Work and Low Income: Evidence for Europe in Comparative Perspective; T.Munzi & T.Smeeding
The Enforcement-Equality Tradeoff; S.Bowles & A.Jayadev
Insurance, Redistribution and the Welfare State: Economic Theory and International Comparisons; R.Artoni& A.Casarico
Social Models, Growth and Key Currencies; L.Costabile& R.Scazzieri
Care Regimes and the European Employment Rate; F.Bettio& J.Plantenga
The Swedish Model in the Era of Integration and Globalisation; B.Gustafsson
Cultural Diversity and Economic Solidarity; M.D?Antoni& U.Pagano
Conclusion; L.Costabile