Between structure and agency: the use of conditional welfare through the lens of social capital

IF 2.3 1区社会学 Q2 SOCIOLOGY

European Societies Pub Date : 2022-10-23 DOI:10.1080/14616696.2022.2137553

Gemma Scalise

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Abstract

ABSTRACT This article assumes that the theory of social capital can contribute to explaining some of the processes behind decision-making independence and the informal aspects of relationship in the implementation of social policies. To support this theoretical proposition by means of case-based empirical evidence, the article focuses on the implementation of the principle of welfare conditionality, which links the access to income support benefits on the acceptance of job search activities and training. Three comparative cases show that its implementation varies significantly in the different contexts: conditionality embodies a very weak principle in Barcelona, which is not applied in practice; in Lyon it has a symbolic function representing a formality that provides access to an unconditional right; in Gothenburg it is implemented as a stringent and effective proof of activation. Among the many institutional and structural factors that help explain these differences, the article shows that there are also specific forms of trust, group identity and mutual recognition that motivate civil servants’ agency and discretionary choices.

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结构与代理之间:社会资本视角下的有条件福利的使用

本文假设社会资本理论有助于解释决策独立性背后的一些过程以及社会政策实施中关系的非正式方面。为了通过基于案例的经验证据来支持这一理论命题，本文将重点放在福利条件原则的实施上，该原则将获得收入支持福利与接受求职活动和培训联系起来。三个比较案例表明，它在不同情况下的执行情况差别很大:条件性在巴塞罗那体现了一个非常弱的原则，在实践中没有得到应用;在里昂，它具有象征性的功能，代表了一种形式，提供了获得无条件权利的途径;在哥德堡，这是一种严格而有效的激活证明。在许多有助于解释这些差异的制度和结构因素中，文章表明，也有特定形式的信任、群体认同和相互认可，激励公务员的代理和自由裁量选择。

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来源期刊

European Societies SOCIOLOGY-

CiteScore

15.70

自引率

1.20%

发文量

期刊介绍： European Societies, the flagship journal of the European Sociological Association, aims to promote and share sociological research related to Europe. As a generalist sociology journal, we welcome research from all areas of sociology. However, we have a specific focus on addressing the socio-economic and socio-political challenges faced by European societies, as well as exploring all aspects of European social life and socioculture. Our journal is committed to upholding ethical standards and academic independence. We conduct a rigorous and anonymous review process for all submitted manuscripts. This ensures the quality and integrity of the research we publish. European Societies encourages a plurality of perspectives within the sociology discipline. We embrace a wide range of sociological methods and theoretical approaches. Furthermore, we are open to articles that adopt a historical perspective and engage in comparative research involving Europe as a whole or specific European countries. We also appreciate comparative studies that include societies beyond Europe. In summary, European Societies is dedicated to promoting sociological research with a focus on European societies. We welcome diverse methodological and theoretical approaches, historical perspectives, and comparative studies involving Europe and other societies.