The European Social Model is “a vision of society that
combines sustainable economic growth with ever-improving living and working
conditions. This implies full employment, good quality jobs, equal
opportunities, social protection for all, social inclusion, and involving
citizens in the decisions that affect them. In the European Trade Union Confederation’s view, social
dialogue, collective bargaining and workers’ protection are crucial factors in
promoting innovation, productivity and competitiveness.” There are four specific
European social models (Scandinavian, Continental, Anglo-American, and
Mediterranean), but they all share this broad definition and the qualities below.
As discussed in class, its components are the following:
- Strong welfare state: redistributing money to poor and disadvantaged people and poor districts of Europe as well as income and standard of living maintenance for people who are too old, too sick, or unable to work for some other reason
- High degree of solidarity: individual citizens believe it is their duty to make sure all citizens are taken care of, thus they believe it is their duty to pay taxes
- High degree of exclusion: exclusion of outsiders and a strict immigration policy
- High degree of cultural homogeneity: cultural environment without much diversity
Showing the high social expenditures of Europe vs. U.S.
So, is this the ideal model for countries? Elaborating on
the first two points above, the European Social Model aims to protect
individuals from poverty. It promotes social cohesion and inclusion, as well as
it attempts to combat discrimination and inequalities. It promotes economic
democracy as well by redistributing wealth and provides free health care and
education to its citizens.
Although Europe attempts to create an equal, unified
society, problems of racism and xenophobia still exist. Racism and country
nationalism in Europe has existed for quite some time, with the Nazi regime
being the largest and most influential situation. In Europe today ethnic
minorities are discriminated against and racism is still very present in
Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain and Greece. In 2010 in Italy, there was a wave
of violence in the southern region against African American farmhands, causing
70 people to be injured. In Greece, there is anti-immigrant sentiment against
ethnic Albanians, and in Spain Northern Africans are discriminated against. The
European countries’ strong nationalism is still causing problems despite
legislation attempting to reduce racial discrimination. Furthermore, Europe’s
high degree of cultural homogeneity reinforces racist attitudes.
I think that the European Social Model is superior when it
comes to taking care of its citizens and promoting equality. It’s free health
care gives society more opportunities to be healthy and educated. However, it
lacks a lot of freedoms that are seen in the U.S. Ethnic tensions within
European countries and high racism are problems that prevent Europe from being
completely unified. I believe that one’s
opinion on the European Social Model is determined highly by one’s values.
People who are in favor of social welfare of all people would support it,
whereas people who would rather focus on the individual would not. Perhaps
there is no right or wrong answer, the European Social Model is just one way of
operating a society.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your claims. The European model clearly put forth a way for people to become economically successful while not alienating those who are in the upper income brackets. The taking care of the poor is an important idea that should be adopted to a fuller extent in the United States. The underprivileged are usually what drive a nation's success, despite claims about the bourgeoisie from Marx where he states the capitalists drive progress. It is true the rich may be the ones to provide jobs, oftentimes they do it at the expense of others. If you agree with the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, the unalienable right to pursuit of happiness is for all people. Without assistance to people in poverty, many people are unable to fully access this right.
The problem with nationalism is one that stems from the idea that Europeans are better than the rest of the world and the evidence they cite is often the age of enlightenment. Why was the renaissance in Europe? If many nationalists were educated on how it was mainly luck that sprung development during that time period, it may help reduce such negative effects and create a more Utopian society. I recommend Jarod Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel as a good read if you don't know what I mean. Overall, great post.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a firm grasp on this subject, and it is evident in your post. I think that the European social model is clearly better for the general welfare of the people. I would like to suggest that maybe that isn't the question we should be asking though, I think we should be asking, "Given the values of the society, what model would best benefit all members of the society?" You did an excellent job of portraying this question in the last paragraph. In another class, we had to read "Beyond the European Social Model" and it was a great read. I would encourage you to check it out!
Interesting post!
I was never aware of the European Social Model until this class (is it acceptable admit this and then have my name attached to it forevermore on the blogosphere?); however, I think it is a very interesting and valid attempt at social organization. People naturally gravitate towards similarities and, although it is just the surface, race and cultural homogeneity is a very visible similarity. It can easily bring a sense of belonging and likability amongst people that may truly have no similarities at all. And I thought about that for a moment. Just because someone is the same race as you does not automatically equate to similarities. However, if you continue to be amongst yourselves in the same country for generations and generations, everyone's experiences and perspectives may slowly start to align and stay aligned. Is this dangerous?
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