Applying rawlsian social justice to welfare reform : An unexpected finding for social work

摘要: This paper sketches social workers' understanding of justice and reliance on Rawls (1971), highlights findings about "hard to employ" welfare recipients facing reform, articulates the parameters Rawlsian (Rawls, 1999a; 2001) with particular emphasis people who have been for long. The shows that workers do not any space maneuver in uphold long-term recipients, reform's "work first" stipulation does violate justice. raises some questions continued Rawls. It suggests update literature reflect Rawls's revised clarified vision apply it appropriately. Keywords: Social justice, work first, ********** In a Theory Justice as Fairness: A Restatement, (1971; conceptualized meaning laid out foundation would allow all citizens get society. encapsulated his very elaborate thinking two elegant principles. second principle brings disadvantaged forefront: "social economic inequalities ... are be greatest benefit least advantaged members society" 2001, pp. 42-43). Given such strong clear maximizing well-being poor people, is surprising unanimously agree highly suited furthering our concerns related various whom we (Figueira-McDonough, 1993; Reisch, 2002; Reisch Taylor, 1983; Van Soest, 1994; 1995; Soest Garcia, 2003; Wakefield, 1988a; 1988b; 1998). question is: Can also help promote context reform 1996? important answer this three reasons: a) committed bringing poor, vulnerable, oppressed, marginalized (NASW, 1999; Reamer, 1998); b) uniformly heavily drawn from (1971) micro macro levels practice; c) critique Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act [PRWORA] (1996, P.L. 104-193), henceforth unjust because its sole individual responsibility gain self-sufficiency without concomitant focus make possible (Anderson, Halter Gryzlak, 2004; Long, 2000; Stoesz, Taylor Barusch, 2004). Interestingly however, despite varied populations, no worker has applied reform. light high regard problems, apparently serious concern delivering evidenced through worth examining whether can us define era Such an examination may clarify continue rely develop justification needed by policy makers attend advocacy demands recipients. To end, briefly their recent more fully main parameter specific elements they relate adults compelled public assistance …