Defining Social Services in Europe

Social Services are more than and different to ordinary commodities whereas politicians frequently postulate they should be assessed on basis of the same criteria as used when buying a cabinet or going to the garage to get the car serviced. Looking at the debate in the European Union, in many cases the review of legal questions forgets to tackle the core issue, namely the specificities of social services, for instance the fact that they contribute not only to the individual well-being but serve as well the general interest.
The contributions of the present volume approach the topic from different perspectives, gathering views from both theory and practice. They show how these services support individuals who are in specifically difficult life situations and contribute at the same time to the society as a whole.

Peter Herrmann is senior research fellow at University College of Cork and director of the independent research Institute European Social, Organisational and Science Consultancy (ESOSC) in Ireland.
Albert Brandstätter was general secretary of Eurodiaconia, Brussels and is currently general secretary of the Lebenshilfe Austria, the largest Austrian NGO in the area of working with people with disabilities.
Cathal O"Connell is senior lecturer for social policy at University College of Cork, Ireland.