Motivation, Responsibility and Reenforcing Agency: Governance of Clients in Social Work with Activation of Unemployed People

Social policy increasingly emphasizes the need for including disadvantaged groups in the labour market through activation measures. The article draws on qualitative client data from persons enrolled in an activation program... [ view full abstract ]

Social policy increasingly emphasizes the need for including disadvantaged groups in the labour market through activation measures. The article draws on qualitative client data from persons enrolled in an activation program for long-term social recipients in Norway. Research on activation in social work has concentrated on social workers’ experiences in the restructuring from provision to self-sufficiency as objectives for welfare services. The studies concur that social workers express ethical reservations in promoting work-related incentives and sanctioning for disadvantaged clients. Research also suggests that organizational settings and social workrs’ attitudes toward client groups and causes of unemployment have implications for practice in activation work. Yet, there is little research on what is expected of the clients in the planning and carrying out of activation measures.

Data draws on 16 clients enrolled in an activation program for people with reduced working capacity in Norway. Data consists of case records over a 1.5-year period, and interviews with the designated social worker for each case. My method of enquiry was conducting semi-structured individual interviews with the social worker, drawing from each client’s case file. The interviews expounded on the social worker’s choices of action.

The aim of the article is to investigate the expectations posed on clients during the planning and decision-making process in the activation program towards achieving paid employment. I will use Foucault’s governmentality-concept to discuss how social policy specifies ways for clients to participate in their own activation process. Preliminary findings suggest a strong emphasis on client motivation and personal agency, and a highlighting of any personal or behavioural challenges clients may have, rather than the circumstances structuring their situation.