Arguing that the social integration of Western Europe already exists in an advanced form, Kaelble examines eight selected aspects of society: the European family; employment structures; big business; social mobility and education; social inequality in the class system; life in European cities; the rise of the welfare state; and industrial relations. Approaching a 'European history' rather than the traditional collection of national histories, his unique and challenging view of social development will interest not only historians but also sociologists and political scientists.