2010
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
288 pages/hardcover
ISBN number: 978-0230224094
This book presents a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of the processes of liberalisation and privatisation, and their consequences for economic performance, social cohesion and political democracy in the European Union. It examines the main drivers and the various theoretical rationales for privatisation in the context of different schools of thinking.
It argues on the basis of broad empirical evidence that privatisation in Europe, particularly the ongoing privatisation of social services, undermines the basic elements of the different social models that have developed in Europe. These arguments are supported by a number of in-depth case studies, with specific focus on health care, education and finance. The authors of this volume advance from this critique and explore the basic requirements for a progressive public sector and its role for economic, social and democratic development.
This book will be indispensable reading for all interested in Economic Policy, Public Sector Economics, European Integration and Political Science.
Contents
Introduction: Privatisation and the Crisis of Social Europe
Part I: Privatisation in the EU: Process and Discussion – an Overview
Privatisation in Western Europe
Privatisation in the Central and East European Countries
Finance as Driver of Privatisation
Theoretical Approaches to Explaining and Understanding Privatisation
The European Social Models: Contours of the Discussion
Part II: Case Studies
Privatisation in the Industrial Sector
Liberalisation in Network Industries
Privatisation and Marketisation of Health Care Systems in Europe
Privatisation of Education
Privatisation of Pensions
Bank Liberalisation and Privatisation
Privatisation Trajectories in Europe: A Cross – Sector View
Part III: Perspectives
The Impact of Privatisation and Liberalisation of Public Services on the European Social Model
Elements of a Progressive European Social Model
The Role of the Public Sector in a Progressive Construction of Europe
Social Actors – Trade Unions and Social Movements
