ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the public and private realm that is now consolidating a new system of social services in Spain. It analyses the rapid changes in Spanish social service policies. The chapter addresses the various phases that political activities have passed through in just a few years not in the sense of government, but in broader terms of action in the public arena. It examines the role of the laws and policies of general government. The chapter looks at the role of civil society and its recent organization as a political actor. It also discusses the influence that Europe has exerted since Spain became a Member State of the European Union (EU). The European social model has been affected by changes brought about by neoliberal globalization and by social and demographic transformations. Social protection is based on the health, education, pension and social services systems.
