The Political Economy of the European Social Model

Abstract

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Economic and Monetary Union Macroeconomic Policies

“…Our conclusions echo those of Whyman et al (2012) (based on literature which substantially overlaps with those we have cited above) when they write that 'there are a large number of studies which have found little or no significant impact arising from labour market deregulation' (p. 229).…”

“…The key question which is to be addressed is how the ideas associated with the term European Social Model relate to the Economics and Monetary Union and the policies being advocated there and to the more general policy approaches of the European Union. As suggested in the quote from Whyman et al (2012) above, and becomes evident in the proposals on a 'fiscal compact', the policy drive is much more in the direction which may be described as neo-liberal, deregulation of labour markets and the advocacy of 'flexible labour markets'.…”

“…Until about 20 years ago, institutions such as the industrial relations system, labour legislation and the welfare state helped the economy as a whole, as well as large swathes of society to benefit from the success of its export-oriented industry that was based on high value added and high-quality manufacturing, and reliant on 'patient capital' and skilled employees. (Lehndorff, 2012, p. 79) Following from the quote given above, Whyman et al (2012) state that 'this model of inclusivity is contrasted against another stated aim advanced by the EU in the years since the production of the Lisbon Treaty, namely the promotion of a more flexible labour market' (p. 222). Lehndorff (2012) continues from the quote above by speaking of 'today's German model of capitalism -a hybrid consisting of a few preserved components of 'Rhenish capitalism', neoliberal-inspired reconstructions and demolitions of this classic model over the past 20 years, along with stubborn refusals to reform the conservative welfare State' (p. 97).…”

Polanyian Reading of the Socio-Economic Transformations of the European Union

“…The idea of the self-regulating market is deeply ingrained in the recent austerity measures that further consolidated the neoliberal edifice (Whyman, Baimbridge, and Mullen 2012). Not only does the new treaty constrain the fiscal autonomy of the member states by requiring ex ante reporting and approval of their budgets (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union 2012, Art.…”

Relations and Separations

“…Also, the agreement that was supposed to remove borders within the EU (the Schengen Agreement, which Britain never joined), is currently suspended in many places because of the enormous pressure put on it by the movement of millions of refugees and other undocumented migrants across the EU member states’ territories during 2015 and parts of 2016. Also, what has been called the European Social Model, which has guided the idea of progressive economic, social, and employment policies in Europe, aiming to balance economic interests against social ones, is under severe pressure (Barbier, Rogowski, and Colomb ; Dølvik and Martin ; Vaughan‐Whitehead ; Whyman, Baimbridge, and Mullen ). Overall, it seems like the forces pulling things apart are becoming stronger than those that are pulling them together.…”