This volume represents the outcome of two years of intensive debate about the future of Europe. It aims to provide the European Union with a vision: one that will unite all of its citizens and help to create the democratic legitimacy that the EU currently lacks. It builds on the first book on social quality, The Social Quality of Europe, which introduced the concept and which has been enthusiastically received by both the scientific and policy communities.
The book develops three crucial elements of social quality: the theoretical validity of the concept, its practical application, and its identity or `genetic code'. It establishes an independent identity for social quality, with a unique focus on the quality of the social, which enables it to act as the rationale for economic, social, and cultural policies and, therefore, an escape route from the dominance of narrow economic thinking in policy making.
` This makes the book an important and original contribution to the shaping of a new Europe. It will be a valuable resource as we take up the challenges of the 21st Century. '
R. Prodi, President of the European Commission.
` This book extends and deepens our understanding of social quality and , therefore, will be an invaluable resource in both the implementaion of the new Social Policy Agenda and in the modernization of the European social model. '
A. Diamantopoul, Member of the European Commission, responsible for Social Affairs and Employment.