In the coming decade, the world's advanced economies will continue to feel the pressures of globalization and technological change, as well as the effects of environmental and demographic crises that are already well underway. All of these challenges are manageable, but only with a full re-imagining of the welfare state.
LONDON – Every society rests on a web of norms, institutions, policies, laws, and commitments to those in need of support. In traditional societies, such obligations are borne mostly by families and kin groups. In advanced economies, there is a greater burden placed on the state and markets (through health insurance and pensions). Yet even in the latter case, much of the social contract is still upheld by families (through unpaid care work), civil society (voluntary and charitable organizations), and employers, who often must provide health insurance or contributions to unemployment insurance.
LONDON – Every society rests on a web of norms, institutions, policies, laws, and commitments to those in need of support. In traditional societies, such obligations are borne mostly by families and kin groups. In advanced economies, there is a greater burden placed on the state and markets (through health insurance and pensions). Yet even in the latter case, much of the social contract is still upheld by families (through unpaid care work), civil society (voluntary and charitable organizations), and employers, who often must provide health insurance or contributions to unemployment insurance.