Social Change, Social Problems and Social Policy

Abstract

The transition period in Central and Eastern Europe during which the established command economies are giving way, always with the possibility of reversion, to market and probably capitalist economies, is one in which the social structure itself is in transition, giving rise to the complex, confusing and volatile political processes described in earlier chapters. This chapter is concerned firstly with the nature of the as yet uncrystallised new social structure and its shifting pattern of privilege and poverty, power and marginalisation. Some indication will be given of who are the losers and beneficiaries of the process of social change with a particular focus on the social problems of the relatively impoverished in these societies. Secondly the nature of the major issues that a changing social policy is being called upon to address will be examined, both in terms of general issues and in terms of specific recent developments. While a broad brush approach to the whole region will be adopted for the most part, the chapter then continues with a focus on the diversity of social development between countries and argues that in their increasingly diverse futures each society is echoing its own pre-communist historical and cultural legacy. Finally the relationship between the future of social policy in the region and the role of supranational and global agencies that are influencing it will be examined.