ABSTRACT
This article argues that social policy has been implemented in an ad hoc fashion in Greece and has rarely been based on the concepts of solidarity and citizenship. Policy formation has always lacked determination and planning, and has instead been dominated by political opportunism and dilettantism. This unbalanced and fragmented approach has focused on social security measures, mostly in favour of particular socio-professional groups, exacerbating inequalities and preventing the construction of even a minimum degree of consensus in favour of structural social policy reform. A re-orientation towards a comprehensive social policy would require political will and public support. Neither currently exist.
