ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book looks at the evolution and consolidation of the Spanish welfare state, highlighting its most important achievements since the mid-1970s until today throughout the main phases of development and political change. It outlines the broad architecture of the Spanish welfare state in terms of the importance of devolution, the role of social concertation, the changing nature of the welfare mix and the levels of support from public opinion. The book discusses the Europeanization processes on the construction and consolidation of different social policy domains. It highlights the main challenges that the Spanish welfare state faces today, with special reference to impact that the current economic downturn might have on its future sustainability. Conflict among social and political actors continued to be present especially during the 19924 economic crisis, with dramatic consequences for unemployment and the implementation of liberal labour market reforms.
