The Crisis and the Welfare State: Southern Europe in Comparative Perspective

Abstract

The economic crisis affecting Southern Europe, considerably more severe and more protracted than the wider European and international crisis, has profound implications for national welfare states. On the one hand, the austerity policies aiming to reduce fiscal deficits deprive the welfare state of precious resources and affect its capacity to maintain an adequate level of social protection. On the other hand, the recession has led to significant losses in terms of jobs and earnings, which in turn increase the demand for income support on the part of the individuals and families affected. As a result of both, southern European welfare states find themselves in considerable strain. The proposed panel seeks to explore policy responses, with a view to identifying how the crisis affects national welfare states in Southern Europe, and how southern European welfare states have been helping individuals and families cope with the crisis. The panel will attempt to throw light at policy changes in different areas (such as retirement pensions, health care and social assistance), in the six Eurozone states (Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Malta). In particular, the panel will welcome contributions with a comparative focus, both within Southern Europe and between the South and the rest of Europe.

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