European Social Model: New Social Policy Paradigm

Sammanfattning: The rhetoric of the "European Social Model" came into existence in 1990s. On the one hand it emphasizes the social character of the Europe which is based on the embedded liberalism- regulation of economy through institutions-, and de-commodification- not letting alone the individual against the market forces. On the other hand, it is notifying an emerging "new social security paradigm". This new model is based on integration of employment policies to the social security policies. It tries to adapt the labor market to the internationalized economic relations and transformed mode of production. Initiating the policies of employability, adaptability, entrepreneurship and equal opportunities, it seeks to activate the labor market and increase employment. It Europeanizes the social policy since it handles the issue as a common object of Europe and seeks a Euro level solution. Nevertheless, workfare measures in this paradigm cause a fear of alignment in Anglo-Saxon model. Strength of settled institutions and attachment of the people to the principles of solidarity and equality are vital aspects preventing to reach that fearful end.