Tranzicija sa aspekta države blagostanja i liberalizma: slučaj Slovenije
Transition from the Aspect of the Welfare State and Liberalism: The Case Of Slovenia

Author(s): Marjan Svetličič
Subject(s): Sociology, Welfare systems, Welfare services, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
Published by: Институт друштвених наука
Keywords: welfare state; liberalism; oscillations between models; gradualism; inequalities; new development model
Summary/Abstract: During the entire period of 30 years, the elements of welfare state and liberalism were intertwined in the process of transition in Slovenia. Prior to the EU membership, elements of welfare state had been stronger, and then the erosion of the welfare state and the strengthening of liberalism began. Paradoxically, these schizophrenic oscillations were not only related to the change of governments, from the left to the centre-right. Both of these governments used the instruments of welfare state and liberalism, largely depending on the conditions on the world market and political parties’ calculations. Relatively stronger elements of welfare state were the result of gradualism, stronger unionization of workers, the power of the civil society and a high degree of preference for equality as a social value. In terms of most welfare state elements (equality, education, health, pension system), Slovenia is at the top of the EU. Inequalities are small, although the differences between the young and the old and the rich and the poorest are growing due to the precariousness of work. Satisfaction with life is quite high, which is also a consequence of the low level of unemployment. The public school system produces good results, even though privatization has taken hold there, lowering the quality of education, especially at the university level. The biggest problem is the healthcare system. Privatization, i.e. liberalism, took its deepest roots there and thereby increased inequality between citizens. Waiting lines for specialists are too long. The Slovenian pension system, despite the gradual tightening of criteria, is quite generous. The biggest challenge for the future is to find a model of development that would incorporate the good sides of welfare state and the efficiency of capitalism, because it has become clear that the existing individualistic capitalism is in crisis.

• Details
• Contents