Workfare: meaning, definitions and examples

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workfare

 

[ ˈwɜːrkˌfɛr ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social policy

Workfare is a system of social welfare that requires individuals to perform work in exchange for government benefits. This approach is designed to encourage employment while providing necessary assistance to those in need. Workfare programs often focus on public service jobs and can be part of broader efforts to reduce dependency on welfare.

Synonyms

employment-based assistance, work as welfare

Examples of usage

  • Participants in workfare programs help maintain public parks.
  • The government implemented workfare initiatives to combat unemployment.
  • Many advocate for workfare as a more effective use of taxpayer money.
  • Critics argue that workfare can exploit vulnerable populations.

Translations

Translations of the word "workfare" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trabalho em troca de benefícios sociais

🇮🇳 कार्य कल्याण

🇩🇪 Arbeitsförderung

🇮🇩 kerja untuk kesejahteraan

🇺🇦 праця за соціальними виплатами

🇵🇱 praca w zamian za świadczenia socjalne

🇯🇵 就労福祉

🇫🇷 travail pour le bien-être

🇪🇸 trabajo para bienestar social

🇹🇷 sosyal yardımla karşılık olarak çalışma

🇰🇷 사회 복지를 위한 일

🇸🇦 العمل من أجل الرفاهية

🇨🇿 práce na sociální podporu

🇸🇰 práca za sociálne dávky

🇨🇳 工作福利

🇸🇮 delo za socialno varnost

🇮🇸 vinnufarir

🇰🇿 жұмысқа қабілеттілік

🇬🇪 სამუშაო კეთილდღეობისთვის

🇦🇿 sosial yardım üçün iş

🇲🇽 trabajo por bienestar social

Word origin

The term 'workfare' emerged in the United States during the 1970s as a response to the growing concern over welfare dependency and the need for individuals to contribute to society. It combines 'work' and 'welfare,' signifying a policy shift towards requiring work as a condition for receiving public assistance. Over the decades, various forms of workfare have been adopted in different countries, with proponents arguing that it not only provides necessary aid but also promotes self-sufficiency and dignity in work. The concept has evolved, influencing social welfare discussions globally, leading to debates about its effectiveness and ethical implications.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,583 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.