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Activation Policies: New Modes of Governance and the Issue of Responsibility

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  • Jean-Michel Bonvin

    (University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland, Lozana, Switzerland)

Abstract

Most activation policies are based on a simplistic conception of responsibility: behaving responsibly coincides with quickly reintegrating the labour market. Local welfare agents are called to push beneficiaries to actively endorse this goal. But the issue of responsibility is much more complex. Drawing on Sen’s capability approach, this article suggests that responsibilisation of recipients requires both empowerment and granting them more real freedom of choice on the labour market. Against the present trend toward hypertrophying individual responsibility, it calls for a more equilibrated balance between individual and social responsibility. The objective is not to define an impracticable ideal of responsibility, but to provide a yardstick for assessing activation programmes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean-Michel Bonvin, 2008. "Activation Policies: New Modes of Governance and the Issue of Responsibility," Godishnik na UNSS, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria, issue 1, pages 383-394, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nwe:godish:y:2008:i:1:p:383-394
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    Cited by:

    1. Gasper, D.R., 2020. "Amartya Sen, social theorizing and contemporary India," ISS Working Papers - General Series 126789, International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS), The Hague.
    2. Johannes Kananen, 2012. "Nordic paths from welfare to workfare: Danish, Swedish and Finnish labour market reforms in comparison," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 27(5-6), pages 558-576, August.
    3. Ann Nevile, 2013. "The curse of accountability: Assessing relationships in the delivery of employment services," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 24(1), pages 64-79, March.
    4. Olexandr Yemelyanov & Anastasiya Symak & Tetyana Petrushka & Roman Lesyk & Lilia Lesyk, 2018. "Assessment of the Technological Changes Impact on the Sustainability of State Security System of Ukraine," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-24, April.
    5. Michael Orton, 2011. "Flourishing lives: the capabilities approach as a framework for new thinking about employment, work and welfare in the 21st century," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 25(2), pages 352-360, June.
    6. van Hal, Lineke & Meershoek, Agnes & Nijhuis, Frans & Horstman, Klasien, 2013. "Disembodied abilities: Sick role and participation in ‘activating’ return-to-work practices," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 9-16.

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