Religion and Welfare in Europe

Abstract

This book examines social change in Europe in recent years and how it relates to religion, minority populations, and gender, and their interacting effects on inclusion and conflict. Bringing together international experts in a wide range of fields, the book looks closely at various practices of social service provision in a number of different countries, exploring links between values, welfare, and social change, with particular attention to changes brought about by recent austerity measures. The book provides an overview of the relationship between welfare and religion, which developed during the 20th century. It explores the idea of secularisation or religious change and the increasing visibility of religion in northern Europe, the fragile organisation of welfare in southern Europe, and the complex situation in post-communist Europe, where the transition from a command economy to a neoliberal system has created new forms of exclusion. The book highlights the need to put research results into practice through policy recommendations, and makes special reference to a welfare project called WaVE.