Southern European welfare states facing globalization. Is there social dumping?: is there social dumping?

This paper analyses social policy reforms that have been adopted recently in Southern European countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece). Such measures are aimed partially at adapting to the restrictions impinged on their national economies by the creation of the European Economic and Monetary Union and by the process of globalization. Social policy innovation is also influenced by the arguments and pressure capacities of the different socio-political actors in each country. The paper includes, in the first place, a conceptual clarification of the term "social dumping". Secondly, the study focuses on a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the actual reform processes that have taken place and their impact on both public revenues and expenditure. Finally, an assessment is offered of the factors shaping recent policy patterns