Social policy in the Czech Republic: past and future of reforms

Abstract

The controversies of Czech social policy after 1989 are described. The ambivalent character of the communist welfare state is considered and its theoretical altenatives outlined. After energetic changes, stagnation reigned since mid-1990s and only debates continued. Despite problems, performance of the system is satisfactory, as very low rate of poverty witnesses. However in the long run, dissatisfactory situation of families, frozen pension system and weak work motivation evoke concern