The Capability Concept and the Evolution of European Social Policy

Simon Deakin

Working Papers from Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge

Abstract: Amartya Sen’s capability approach has the potential to counter neoliberal critiques of social welfare systems by overcoming the false opposition between security and flexibility. In particular, it can be used to promote the idea of social rights as the foundation of active participation by individuals in the labour market. This idea is starting to be reflected in the case law of the European Court of Justice concerning free movement of persons but its use in the European employment strategy is so far more limited, thanks to the continuing influence of neoliberal ‘activation policies’.

Keywords: capabilities; welfare state; social rights; European Union law (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J38 K31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cdm, nep-eec, nep-law and nep-pke
Note: PRO-2
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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