Cambio social y desigualdades en los países del mediterráneo

Abstract

The development of the Mediterranean basin countries is an important sociological experiment.
This article analyses the recent evolution of some factors which help to explain the improvement
in quality of life which has occurred over the last two decades of the 20th century in countries to
the south and east of the Mediterranean basis. Quality of life is considered to be a factor, linked
to culture, the life system, and development, which is measured in terms of wellbeing and not in
economic terms. The article analyses the atypical evolution of economic sectors and the labour
market in the African and Asiatic countries situated in the basin in comparison to that of the
European countries. Also assessed is the creation and putting into operation of public policies by
African and Asiatic governments, and their effectiveness is contrasted with the policies applied in
the European Mediterranean countries.