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Opportunities and challenges for flexicurity - The Danish example

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Bredgaard

    (Assistant professor, PhD., Centre for Labour Market Research (CARMA), Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 1, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Flemming Larsen

    (Associate professor, Centre for Labour Market Research (CARMA), Aalborg University, Denmark)

  • Per Kongshøj Madsen

    (Professor, Director of the Centre for Labour Market Research (CARMA), Aalborg University, Denmark)

Abstract

The contraction of two previously opposed concepts, ‘flexibility’ and ‘security’, into that of flexicurity has become one of the most popular labour market concepts in recent years, and one that seems to cross European borders relatively easily. Seen in an international perspective, Denmark is characterised by a relatively flexible labour market and an extensive social security system. It is widely assumed that these favourable results are due to the special Danish combination of flexible employment regulations, an active labour market policy including rights and duties of education and placement, and relatively high unemployment benefits. In recent years the concept flexicurity has come to be used to describe the particular Danish mix of labour market flexibility and social security. Against this background, this article outlines the economic and political characteristics of the Danish ‘flexicurity model’, and the current challenges facing this model. Finally, the lessons that other European countries can learn from this Danish model will be presented.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Bredgaard & Flemming Larsen & Per Kongshøj Madsen, 2006. "Opportunities and challenges for flexicurity - The Danish example," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 12(1), pages 61-82, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:12:y:2006:i:1:p:61-82
    DOI: 10.1177/102425890601200107
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wilthagen, Ton, 1998. "Flexicurity: A new paradigm for labour market policy reform?," Discussion Papers, Research Unit: Labor Market Policy and Employment FS I 98-202, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    2. Rosholm, Michael & Svarer, Michael, 2004. "Estimating the Threat Effect of Active Labour Market Programmes," IZA Discussion Papers 1300, IZA Network @ LISER.
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