How do European states adjust to international markets? Why do French governments of both left and right face a crisis of public confidence? In this book, leading experts on France chart the dramatic changes that have taken place in its polity, economy and society since the 1980s and develop an analysis of social change relevant to all democracies. Exploring immigration, industrial relations, generational conflict, and politics, they find the roots of discontent in the transformation of a society exemplifying a "new" Europe.

This book focuses on the relationship between European integration, its outputs and national institutional and political settings. It explores the political mechanisms through which the EU plays a role in domestic social policy changes.

Gathering among the best European specialists of welfare state comparisons, this book organises comprehensive and up to date information on European welfare state reforms in an analytical framework which allows a new approach to social policy changes.* Demonstrates that, contrary to the common view, 'Bismarckian' welfare states have changed significantly* Contains long term but also very accurate data and perspective beginning from the 1980s and up to the most recent reforms* Speaks to two literatures: the one on welfare state, social policies and welfare state reforms; the other to the political science literature on changes, path dependency and incremental changes* Organises comprehensive and up to date information on European welfare state reforms in an analytical framework* Includes contributions from the best specialists of the field, including members of the European academic community of social policy comparativists

How do European states adjust to international markets? Why do French governments of both left and right face a public confidence crisis? In this book, leading experts on France chart the dramatic changes that have taken place in its polity, economy and society since the 1980s and develop an analysis of social change relevant to all democracies.

This book focuses on the relationship between European integration, its outputs and national institutional and political settings. It explores the political mechanisms through which the EU plays a role in domestic social policy changes.