Social Sustainability in Ageing Welfare States
Produktdetaljer
Biographical note
Edited by Maria Vaalavuo, Chief Researcher, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland, Kenneth Nelson, Professor of Social Policy, University of Oxford, UK and Kati Kuitto, Senior Researcher, Finnish Centre for Pensions, Finland<i>‘How can the welfare state, in the face of climate change, sustainably foster the wellbeing of current and future generations in ageing societies? These extraordinary contributions make it compellingly clear that the old material benchmark of economic growth cum fair distribution no longer suffices. Whether we like it or not, we must expand our outlook on inclusive growth and open up to intergenerational fairness and environmental sustainability from the perspective of human capabilities and subjective wellbeing.’</i>
- Anton Hemerijck, European University Institute, Italy,
<i>‘This compelling book offers a novel perspective on the implications of population ageing for the institutions and outcomes of modern welfare states by linking these to a discussion of social sustainability, a relatively neglected concept in the existing literature. The chapters empirically document, from a range of perspectives, patterns of variation in the effects of demographic change on well-being and its distribution across European welfare states. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the consequences of demographic ageing for European societies and the implications of different policy choices.’</i>
- Mi Ah Schoyen, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway,
<i>‘In recent years, a significant body of literature has addressed the so-called “double transition” involving technological and environmental changes, as well as the role of the welfare state. This book makes a timely contribution to discussion regarding the transformations of welfare states and their social implications, as it highlights a third and profound transition that accompanies the first two: the demographic shift. The book offers an innovative analysis of how various welfare state institutions can enhance social integration and well-being in aging societies. It provides very valuable scientific insights and policy recommendations on the importance of diverse social policies in sustaining and promoting social sustainability.’</i>
- Emmanuele Pavolini, University of Milan, Italy,
Expert contributors discuss the concept of social sustainability from different disciplinary and policy perspectives, focusing on social protection, pensions, care, immigration and health. They highlight the importance of well-being and its fair distribution and address the trade-offs between economic and social sustainability in different policy areas. Crucially, they propose constructive measures which governments can adopt to ensure a sustainable future for welfare states.
Students and researchers of social policy, demography, social work, economics and sociology will enhance their understanding of social sustainability and its contribution to welfare state research. The book will also be invaluable for professionals and policymakers working in social and health policy, pensions and the labour market providing guidance on how to promote social sustainability through their work.