Sociology

Significance of European Social Policy

Significance of European Social Policy

Introduction

European Social Policy has certain intricacies which have been contributing towards its downfall. First of all we should look at the inherent characteristics of European Social Policy (Barnett, n.d).

An ideal social policy is characterized by social equality, provision of welfare, income security for individuals and families and a collective response to need and risk. Sadly, the European social policy lacks these factors to a great extent. If we compare the EU social policy with national policy, social policy is filled with many gaps (Barnett, n.d).

Factors leading to Failure

As far as dissatisfaction pertaining to EU social policy is concerned, there are multiple factors behind it. Policy makers at EU have miserably failed to devise a thick policy portfolio. EU social policy has focused extensively on the promotion of market agenda. There has been complete lack of attention to the aspect of Welfare. The primary goal for EU social policy should have been to effectively deliver Welfare to its people. But an effective welfare delivery system is ignored in the EU social policy (Kotz, 2000).

Room for Improvement

There is a vast room for improvement in the EU social policy as regards the effective implementation and delivery. Although the integration is increasing but the EU is guilty of highlighting market integration and trade issues. It is ignoring the importance of social issues and needs to incorporate them in its social policy. The EU social policy should have an integrated approach to counter the inconsistencies in its social policy (Barnett, n.d).

EU has recently incorporated the social dimension of globalization in its social policy. Since this social element is still in its infancy, there are various measures which the EU would have to take (Whitfield, 2012).

There is an urgent need for EU to develop a coherent social policy which addresses internal and external issues. Without a coherent social policy, the inconsistencies cannot be tackled in an appropriate manner. The decision making department should coordinate with each other in an efficient manner so that an integrated Social Policy is implemented (Whitfield, 2012).

Limitations

The integration of social policy in UK has certain limitations which discourage the policy makers to adopt the integrated social policy in the context of EU. The precarious living conditions are highly prevalent in UK in the form of increased unemployment and economic strain. Social Exclusion has been known to be an important limitation in the context of integrated social policy (Kotz, 2000).

A large number of people were affected by social exclusion as they were having a lack of recognition and are thus plagued by being alienated. Social exclusion has been known to be a significant limitation in the context of social integration. Economic resources, labour market conditions, social networks are some of the factors of social integration (Whitfield, 2012).

Factors Influencing Integration

There have been two factors that have been dominant in the EU social policy integration. Migration is a booming phenomenon in Europe. It has been observed that the political, social ...