Social Security in the Balkans - Volume 1: An Overview of Social Policy in Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria

The book provides a comprehensive overview of social security in the Balkan states, analyzing various sectors of social policy, pension systems, health care systems, disability insurance, labor policy, and social risks, and offering recommendations for improving the level of social security in the region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Haymarket Books

Social security is a crucial aspect of the Balkan states' social and economic landscape, encompassing a wide range of sectors and policies aimed at addressing human needs, protecting against social risks, reducing social tensions, and ensuring peace. This comprehensive book provides a comprehensive overview of social security in the Balkan states, analyzing various aspects of social policy, pension systems, health care systems, disability insurance, labor policy, and social risks such as poverty and unemployment from historical, economic, political, sociological, and security perspectives. The contributors to this book include experts from various fields, including Predrag Bejaković, Mirela Cristea, Dorota Domalewska, Nikos Kourachanis, Effrosyni E. Kouskouna, Christos Koutsampelas, Velibor Lalić, Shkëlzen Macukulli, Irina Mindova Docheva, Grațiela Georgiana Noja, Teuta Nunaj Kortoci, Mile Šikman, Aspasia Strantzalou, Nevenko Vranješ, and Marzena Żakowska.

The book offers valuable insights into the current state of social security in the Balkan states and provides recommendations for improving the level of social security in the region. It highlights the importance of social security in promoting social cohesion, economic growth, and human well-being. The contributors discuss the challenges faced by the Balkan states in implementing social security policies and offer solutions to address these challenges.

One of the key challenges facing the Balkan states is the aging population. As the population ages, the demand for social security benefits such as pensions and health care increases. However, the pension systems in many Balkan states are not sustainable, and the health care systems are underfunded. This has led to a significant burden on the working population and has contributed to social tensions.

To address this challenge, the book recommends a range of measures, including increasing the retirement age, improving the pension system, and increasing the funding for the health care system. The authors also suggest that the Balkan states should explore alternative sources of funding for social security, such as private pensions and social insurance.

Another challenge facing the Balkan states is the high level of poverty and unemployment. Many people in the region live in poverty, and unemployment rates are high. This has led to social unrest and has contributed to the migration of people from the region.

To address this challenge, the book recommends a range of measures, including increasing access to education and training, promoting job creation, and improving the social safety net. The authors also suggest that the Balkan states should work to reduce the gender gap in employment and to promote gender equality.

In addition to these challenges, the Balkan states face a range of other social risks, such as discrimination, violence, and social exclusion. The book highlights the importance of addressing these risks and provides recommendations for doing so.

One of the key recommendations for addressing social risks is to promote social inclusion and diversity. The book suggests that the Balkan states should work to create a more inclusive and diverse society by promoting cultural exchange, promoting social mobility, and addressing discrimination.

Another recommendation is to improve the social safety net. The book suggests that the Balkan states should provide more support to vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This can be done by increasing the funding for social services, providing more affordable housing, and providing more access to healthcare.

In conclusion, social security is a crucial aspect of the Balkan states' social and economic landscape. This comprehensive book provides a comprehensive overview of social security in the Balkan states, analyzing various aspects of social policy, pension systems, health care systems, disability insurance, labor policy, and social risks such as poverty and unemployment from historical, economic, political, sociological, and security perspectives. The contributors to this book offer valuable insights into the current state of social security in the Balkan states and provide recommendations for improving the level of social security in the region. By implementing these recommendations, the Balkan states can promote social cohesion, economic growth, and human well-being.

Weight: 384g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642597950