Social Policy and Citizenship

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the transformation of the welfare state, the reasons for this change, its substantive character, and implications for social citizenship. The transformation is seen as driven by structural and sociopolitical pressures generated from four sources: demographic shifts, globalization of the economy, knowledge of unanticipated consequences of past policies, and growing faith in the market economy. The changes that emerge involve increasing privatization, promotion of work-oriented measures, targeting of social benefits, and a new understanding of the social contract. The rights of citizenship now emphasize the obligations and right to work and earn a living wage. The policy implications of this development are explored.