Description: This study fills a vital gap in the current literature on the effects of the financial and economic crisis, and features detailed reports from six European countries which form the empirical background for five analyses of different aspects of the social inclusion-exclusion dichotomy through over-indebtedness in Europe since 2008. The account shows how the current design of the consumer credit and mortgage system in Europe has helped to produce individual over-indebtedness while disregarding the consequential danger of social exclusion.
Review Quotes: 'From you've got to have money vs social force majeure towards a new societal and economic perspective on the regulation of household debt following the financial crisis. The analysis of the impact of the crisis on consumer law and consumer bankruptcy is both extremely topical and comprehensive.' Thomas Wilhelmsson, University of Helsinki, Finland 'This is an excellent book which provides valuable insights into the responses of European States to economic crisis. The book highlights the risks of focusing on the macroeconomy while ignoring the plight of consumers and exacerbating over-indebtedness, and should be closely scrutinised by policy makers and academics alike.' Therese Wilson, Griffith Law School, Australia 'This book, provoked by the financial crisis of the last years, is based on empirical studies in six European euro and non-euro jurisdictions, analysing the situation of over-indebted consumers and making proposals for improving their condition in case of insolvency. The book which takes on these important issues is indispensable reading for all working or interested in the field of financial services in the EU.' Norbert Reich, University of Bremen, Germany