著者

相内 真子

出版者

北翔大学

雑誌

人間福祉研究 (ISSN:13440039)

巻号頁・発行日

no.1, pp.85-100, 1998

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This paper explores the background of the changes in welfare policy in the United States, focusing on "Wisconsin Works," known as W-2, which is a culmination of the long-time tinkering of the welfare policy in the State of Wisconsin. Along with the federal law of "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996" signed by President Bill Clinton, W-2 declared the end of the 61-year history of welfare as a cash benefit in the United States. Taking its place is a more market-oriented philosophy of "welfare-to-work," and the changed policy again pits the "safety net" advocates against the critics of the "perennial welfare dependency." The "welfare-to-work" sentiment has been permeating among advanced nations since the late 80s, and the policy change in the U.S. and Wisconsin is a manifestation to follow the global tendency towards a more incentive-oriented assistance than on income maintenance in terms of welfare. The question, however, is just as Neil Gilbert puts it, "whether the changing philosophy of social protection will lead to a society that is not only fairer but also gentle enough to permit an honorable dependence for its frailest members."This paper explores the background of the changes in welfare policy in the United States, focusing on "Wisconsin Works," known as W-2, which is a culmination of the long-time tinkering of the welfare policy in the State of Wisconsin. Along with the federal law of "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996" signed by President Bill Clinton, W-2 declared the end of the 61-year history of welfare as a cash benefit in the United States. Taking its place is a more market-oriented philosophy of "welfare-to-work," and the changed policy again pits the "safety net" advocates against the critics of the "perennial welfare dependency." The "welfare-to-work" sentiment has been permeating among advanced nations since the late 80s, and the policy change in the U.S. and Wisconsin is a manifestation to follow the global tendency towards a more incentive-oriented assistance than on income maintenance in terms of welfare. The question, however, is just as Neil Gilbert puts it, "whether the changing philosophy of social protection will lead to a society that is not only fairer but also gentle enough to permit an honorable dependence for its frailest members."