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Putting security at the heart of the European social pact – proposals to make flexicurity more balanced

Author

Listed:
  • Pascale Vielle

    (Professor at the University of Louvain, Member of Recwowe)

  • Jean-Michel Bonvin

    (Professor at the HES-SO, Lausanne, Member of Capright)

Abstract

The concept of flexicurity opens up new avenues for rethinking our approach to social integration and security for Europe's citizens. In the current European debate, however, flexicurity is out of balance on two levels: it leans too far towards flexibility at the expense of security, and it is too focused on the labour market (and increasing employment rates) at the expense of other aspects of quality of life. This article suggests ways to rebalance flexicurity, giving more substance to ‘security’. In particular it proposes that, in addition to the mutualisation typically found in conventional social security strategies, services of general interest and time and space policies should also be developed. It recommends the negotiation of a new social pact in which all partners (not just the social partners) should have their say. The conclusion highlights the particular role of the EU in promoting harmonising measures and establishing new instruments for security and different ways of approaching public funding and investment.

Suggested Citation

  • Pascale Vielle & Jean-Michel Bonvin, 2008. "Putting security at the heart of the European social pact – proposals to make flexicurity more balanced," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 14(3), pages 419-433, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:14:y:2008:i:3:p:419-433
    DOI: 10.1177/102425890801400306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Esping-Andersen, Gosta, 1999. "Social Foundations of Postindustrial Economies," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198742005.
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