Workfare: meaning, definitions and examples
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workfare
[ˈwɜːrkˌfɛr ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'workfare' combines 'work' and 'welfare,' highlighting its goal of providing work opportunities for welfare recipients.
- It gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as a response to concerns about welfare dependency.
- Policies were first tested in Canada and the United States, focusing on promoting employment over cash assistance.
Social Impact
- Research shows that workfare programs can lead to increased employment rates among participants.
- Critics argue that some workfare programs may be exploitative, offering low pay for hard work.
- These programs are designed to empower individuals but can face challenges such as lack of job availability in certain areas.
Economic Perspectives
- Economists suggest workfare can reduce government spending on welfare by encouraging independence through work.
- Successful workfare initiatives often collaborate with local businesses to create job opportunities tailored to community needs.
Cultural References
- Various documentaries and articles explore the lives of individuals in workfare programs, highlighting personal success stories and struggles.
- Workfare is often discussed in the context of broader conversations around poverty and social safety nets.
Global Examples
- Countries like Australia and the UK have implemented workfare policies with varying degrees of success and public acceptance.
- In some nations, workfare has been included as part of comprehensive welfare reforms aimed at reducing overall poverty.
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