ABSTRACT
Neo-liberal policies and economic globalization have been the two major causes for social change. In many industrialized countries, policies for economic growth and globalization are vigorously pursued. Globalization is mostly addressed from the viewpoint of its destructive effect to the balance of societies. As globalization proceeds, on the one hand some people are gaining much more wealth and safer lives, while on the other a large number of people are suffering from fear of loss of job opportunities and a weakening state welfare. John Rawls's social contract theory provides a useful clue for tackling the question of social balance in society. The chapter reviews the arguments concerned with the question of the social balance between growth and welfare and of the directions of the Welfare States. It focuses on social contract view and the Welfare State arguments. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
