The redesign of social policy in a time of economic crisis

Abstract

Demographic trends, with the relevant ageing of the population, are mostly determining the direction of social policy (in terms of healthcare, social services, pensions, future proposals to cover dependence, etc.). This is unfortunate, as the social policy agenda should be much more focused on poverty than on age, equal opportunity policies, fighting unemployment, combating social exclusion and guaranteeing the basic rights of all citizens. If current trends do not change, the elderly will become the main beneficiaries of an increasing proportion of social expenditure over GDP.