This book provides a comprehensive appraisal of social security in Japan, where traditionally the burden of welfare provision has been the main responsibility of the family and employers, rather than the state. However, an ageing population, changes in family structure and continued recession...

This book presents an evidence-based assessment of the impact of EU enlargement on industrial relations and social standards in old and new EU Member States. It combines chapters which give an overview of the process of enlargement/integration and comparative socio-economic data at EU and...

The Lisbon Agenda aims to prepare Europe for globalization by updating European policies for research, innovation, competition, trade, employment, education, social protection, environment and energy at both the European and national levels. Designed to inspire the new cycle of the Lisbon Agenda...

This collection of essays is a state-of-the-art analysis of key issues confronting the European Union. Identifying European economic integration as one of the defining features of modern international economics, the authors examine many aspects and consequences of this integration which remain...

This book focuses on arrangements for redistributing consumption opportunities over the life cycle and for providing compensation for income losses or large expenditures due to reasons such as illness and unemployment. After extensive coverage of the nature of inequalities in income and wealth...

"After more than four decades of real income stagnation, ever-increasing inequality and household financial distress, this book explores how the very fabric of our society is under threat. It argues that although capitalism is imperfect, it can be improved, and harnessing its forces of...

On the premise that pension provision in Europe will dramatically change over the next few decades, this book concentrates on the funded component of pension wealth, and specifically on annuities - financial products that, on the basis of actuarial equivalence, allow the conversion of wealth...

Contents: Part I -- 1. The Makings of an Authority in Science -- 2. Theorizing Status Intermediaries -- Part II -- 3. Tensions and Struggles in Europe-Level Science -- 4. Creating Acceptance for European Research Council Evaluations -- 5. The Consequences of European Research Council Allocations...

1. Is the world of work behind middle class reshuffling? / Daniel Vaughan-Whitehead, Rosalie Vazquez-Alvarez and Nicolas Maitre -- 2. Is the world of work stimulating middle class growth in the Baltic states? / Jaan Masso, Inta Mierina and Kerly Espenberg -- 3. Social concertation and middle...

Part I framing the discussion on the competitiveness challenge -- 1. Boosting European competitiveness / Marek Belka, Ewald Nowotny, Doris Ritzberger-Grünwald and Pawel Samecki -- 2. Harnessing foreign direct investment to boost economic growth / Beata S. Jarvorcik -- 3. Correcting external...