By Stefan Bernhard, 2007
The implementation of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) in the field of European social policy has been a major turning point for European Union (EU) integration in recent years. By setting common European objectives and leaving their attainment to Member States, the OMC was initiated to trigger learning processes on the national level. The method has sparked tremendous scientific research (see e.g. Hodson/Maher 2001, Heritiér 2002, Mosher/Trubek 2003, Jacobsson 2004). However, scholars diverge when it comes to evaluating the method’s potential for policy change. Those emphasising learning are more optimistic (Rhodes/Goetschy/Mosher 2000, de la Porte/Pochet/Room 2001) than those who question its effectiveness due to the lack of sanctioning mechanisms (Scharpf 2000, 2002, Schäfer 2005)
Notwithstanding disagreement, both assessments rely on the assumption that the OMC actually works as a decentralised learning process, implying that no paradigm concerning social exclusion exists at the European level. However, it is time to question this taken-for-granted assumption. It is argued that the OMC disseminates a European paradigm of social exclusion. The institutions established in order to enable voluntary learning by national and sub-national actors constitute in fact the infrastructure for the dissemination of an European paradigm of social exclusion. It is argued that streamlining the OMC process further carves out these basic characteristics, thereby intensifying the effects of paradigm dissemination triggered by policy coordination with the OMC.
 Bernhard (2007) The European Paradigm of Social Exclusion | [ ] |
