Examines the role and function of social policy and of civil society, here namely NGOs, in European integration, viewing integration as a social process which takes place even if the social dimension is underexposed by official policy. Coverage includes centralization and differentiation versus decentralization, EC integration and the paradox of modernity, the future of the European model of society, an emerging welfare regime, the role and function of organizations of the social economy regarding lifelong learning, and the role of social NGOs in the process of building a macro-identity. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Engaging systematically with severe forms of poverty in Europe, this important book stimulates academic, public and policy debate by shedding light on aspects of deprivation and exclusion of people in absolute poverty in affluent societies. It examines issues such as access to health care, housing and nutrition, poverty related shame, and violence. The book investigates different policy and civic responses to extreme poverty, ranging from food donations to penalisation and “social cleansing” of highly visible poor and how it is related to concerns of ethics, justice and human dignity.

This book explores local partnership-based initiatives to tackle European-wide problems of poverty and social exclusion. A major comparative study of the fast developing theme of social exclusion, the contributors look at its causes, effects and at the ways it might be combatted. Based on in-depth, cross-national research from areas across Europe it provides a uniquely authoritative account of the complexities of policy development in the EU, and will be invaluable to researchers in European studies, politics, and economics.