Active, willing and able: Activation policies in Australia, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Denmark (1990-2007) ...

This study compares activation policies for long term unemployed people from 1990 to 2007 in Australia, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Denmark. Comparative welfare researchers debate whether activation policies converged or retained distinctive welfare regime features. Some argue activation marked convergence towards the Liberal welfare regime by enforcing labour market participation and bringing market-based governance to employment services. Others argue major differences persisted as activation policies were shaped by different institutional settings such as labour markets and benefit syst... Mehr ...