The Self-Sufficiency Framework—Revised: A Full Welfare / Full Work Roadmap for Poverty Alleviation in Contemporary Social Welfare Systems

Abstract

ABSTRACT The long-sought self-sufficiency goal of contemporary social welfare systems has been mostly elusive, even in developed countries. This paper presents a revised version of the Self-Sufficiency Framework as a pragmatic strategy for welfare reform, investigating how the current neoliberal approach centered on promoting employment (workfare) could be made more socially just and freedom-oriented. Thus, the framework proposed here accepts the central goal of promoting employment (self-sufficiency) at the core of current welfare systems, but complements that goal with a strong and non-stigmatizing welfare support package and with labor market reforms aimed at combating exploitative forms of employment. Furthermore, the proposed model emphasizes the need for financial inclusion, notably in the banking system and the mortgage industry.