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Article

New governance and the case of activation policies: Comparing experiences in Denmark and the Netherlands

Details

Citation

Lindsay C & McQuaid R (2009) New governance and the case of activation policies: Comparing experiences in Denmark and the Netherlands. Social Policy and Administration, 43 (5), pp. 445-463. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9515.2009.00673.x

Abstract
This article explores the importance of new forms of governance in active labour market policies (activation) in two countries: Denmark and the Netherlands. Drawing on research with key stakeholders in these countries, we analyse how new governance, and particularly processes of contracting-out and localization, have found expression in recent reforms to activation. We conclude that localization and contracting-out may have a future role to play in the development of more locally responsive and individually focused services. But both countries have encountered problems in promoting joined-up services through local jobcentres, while contracting-out has not always led to the tailored, individually focused services envisaged by policy-makers. In both countries, there are also concerns that the restriction of the Public Employment Service to a ‘gatekeeping and signposting' role will lead to inconsistencies in the quality of services, exposing the most disadvantaged to greater social risk.

Keywords
Unemployment; Public employment service; Employability; De-monopolization; Denmark; The Netherlands

Journal
Social Policy and Administration: Volume 43, Issue 5

StatusPublished
Publication date31/10/2009
URL
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
ISSN0144-5596
eISSN1467-9515

People (1)

Professor Ronald McQuaid

Professor Ronald McQuaid

Emeritus Professor, Management, Work and Organisation