The European Social Model- Best Of Both Worlds?

The European people are said to care most deeply about: peace, security, democracy, justice and solidarity. This is a big contrast to American society who adheres mostly with the principles of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. It is no secret that the Europeans and Americans are majorly contrasted in their way of life, which is clearly reflected in their culture, as opposed to the European social model, which binds Europeans together through many models that share broad characteristics.

The Social model is said to be divided into 4 groups, which represent the different parts of Europe who have chosen what is most important to them while still remaining under the EU. The social model sets out to reduce poverty, protect against labour market risks and rewards labour participation. However Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal are still faced with high unemployment rates, perhaps this is due to their differing interests which are based more heavily on pensioners and less on social assistance.

The EU social model seem to have the best of both worlds in some ways due to their overarching beliefs and values that flow across all parts of the model, however each segment are allowed to have their own priorities. Those in the Nordic model including the Netherlands, Finland and Denmark seem to the be the most wealthy states in comparison to the Mediterranean model including places such as Spain and Greece. It may be apparent that their differing welfare states could be the reason why those in the Mediterranean model are suffering such high unemployment rate.