The British Journal of Sociology
Volume 50 No. 1 March l999
pages 118-140
Abstract
The understanding of the European Union poses a challenge for Sociology and its traditional conceptions of the state. In particular, the impact of the social dimensions has been underestimated and undervaluated. This paper explores the implications of the developing social dimension of the European Union for European social relations in the context of globalization which allegedly reduces the power of states to act effectively in the social realm. It argues for a broader conceptualization of the social dimension and for a new conception of the regulatory state. It argues that the significance of politico-legal project of social justic. It concludes with re-consideration of the powers of the state in an era of globalization
Keywords: European Union, social dimension, globalization, regulation, state, politico-legal
Sylvia Walby
Department of Sociology and Social Policy
University of Leeds