This book investigates the causes of inequalities that have developed in the European Union, analyzes their social and economic consequences, and assesses the political measures taken to address these issues - also on the basis of public survey results.

The detailed analyses presented focus on structures of inequality to be found in the areas education, culture, labor market, Internet access, families and children, gender, and the regions of the EU. The book also critically examines both the legal framework conditions and financial / taxation policy as instruments that can be used to either produce or combat inequality.

Autorentext

Dieter Eissel, since 2006 retired Professor of Political Science at the University of Giessen, Germany; scientific priorities: Economic and social policy (finance, tax, labour, social affairs); environmental policy, local and regional policy, European studies, political theories. He was lecturing and guest professor in many European and Asian universities; since 2005 member of the Academy of Science of Mongolia. He is author and co-editor of numerous books and articles.

Ewa Rokicka, since 2001 Professor of Sociology at the University of Lodz, Poland; scientific priorities: social inequalities, social structure and social mobility, social and political participation (research, teaching, extension) quantitative research methods. She is author and editor of eight monographs and 70 articles in scientific journals and compendiums.

Jeremy Leaman, since 1989 Senior Lecturer in German and European Political Economy at the University of Loughborough, UK; scientific priorities: political economy, economic and social policy (monetary policy, fiscal policy, distribution policy). He is author of 3 monographs and other scientific papers, co-editor of five anthologies, since 1992 editor of the Journal of Contemporary European Studies.

Inhalt
1 Introduction.- 2 The Concept of "Quality of Life" in the Context of Economic Performance and Social Progress.- 3 Inequality and the Role of Redistributive Policy.- 4 Economic Aspects of Fighting Inequality.- 5 Market Distribution, Fiscal Distribution and Inequality: A Case Study of Britain.- 6 The Nordic Model and Social Inequalities.- 7 Social Inequalities of Families in Europe.- 8 Transition Into Adulthood, Life Course, Inequalities and Social Change.- 9 Unsuccessful in Education - Early School Leaving.- 10 Digital Inequality in Physical and Skills Access Among European Adolescents.- 11 Legal Framework as a Factor Generating Social Inequality: The Case of Criminal Justice System.- 12 Inequality of Access to Culture.- 13 Perception of Inequality by the General Public and Political Elites.