Welfare State Reforms and Their Implications for Social Work in Central and Southeast Europe

The chapter provides an overview of the main social policy and social work developments in the analysed countries from Central and Southeast Europe (CSE) since the 1990s. It locates the examined countries within the literature on comparative welfare states. It also outlines trends and indicators related to social protection expenditure, income inequality, and quality of life. Based on the information provided in the subsequent country chapters, the introductory chapter aims to outline the main trajectories in the politics of social welfare that influence the delivery of social work and social service provision in the CSE region.