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Welfare reform, precarity and the re-commodification of labour

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  • Ian Greer

Abstract

While welfare reform matters for workers and workplaces, it is peripheral in English-language sociology of work and industrial relations research. This article’s core proposition is that active labour market policies (ALMPs) are altering the institutional constitution of the labour market by intensifying market discipline within the workforce. This re-commodification effect is specified drawing on Marxism, comparative institutionalism, German-language sociology and English-language social policy analysis. Because of administrative failure and employer discrimination, however, ALMPs may worsen precarity without achieving the stated goal of increasing labour market participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian Greer, 2016. "Welfare reform, precarity and the re-commodification of labour," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 30(1), pages 162-173, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:30:y:2016:i:1:p:162-173
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017015572578
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rupert Harwood, 2016. "What Has Limited the Impact of UK Disability Equality Law on Social Justice?," Laws, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-23, November.

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