The Crisis Imperative: Crisis Rhetoric and Welfare State Reform in Belgium and the Netherlands in the Early 1990s (Amsterdam University Press - Changing Welfare States Series)

by Sanneke Kuipers

Description

Belgium and the Netherlands were perfect examples of the 'welfare without work' policy that characterized European welfare states-until a political crisis in both countries during the early 1990s produced a surprising divergence in administration. While Belgium's government announced major reforms, its social security policy remained relatively resilient. In the Netherlands, however, policymakers implemented unprecedented cutbacks as well as a major overhaul of the disability benefits show more program. The Crisis Imperative explains this difference as the result of crisis rhetoric-that is, the deliberate construction of a crisis as the imperative for change. It will be a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in welfare reform in the United States and abroad. show less