Article Summary
Redesigning the “Welfare Mix” for Families: Policy Challenges
Research Report by Jane JensonIn this paper, Jane Jenson examines the welfare mix in Canada: the policies and programs adopted by the Canadian government in response to the challenges of restructured labour markets, deepening poverty, economic marginalization and social exclusion, changing family patterns, an ageing society, and the evolution to a knowledge-based economy. Jenson suggests the concept of welfare goes beyond social assistance; according to Jenson, the four sources of welfare include market income, family resources, community resources, and government assistance.
Jenson examines two major policy responses used to address the challenges facing welfare and social policy. The first response she examines is the employment-centred strategy, in which governments focus on ensuring active participation in the labour force. The second response she examines is the focus on avoiding or reducing poverty. She explores the experiences of the European Union and the United States, and suggests how their experiences may offer lessons for Canada.
In her conclusion, Jenson suggests that finding the right combination of welfare policies is the key for policy-makers. She identifies three priorities which, in her view, the Canadian government needs to focus on: ensuring access to adequate market income and quality jobs; ensuring families have adequate income (a “family wage”); and, ensuring quality early childhood education and care. Jenson places significant emphasis on child care, as she argues the benefits of care programs – for both children and adults – have been overlooked by the Canadian government.
(Added: Sat Feb 18 2006 Hits: 225 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It Review It
Policy Publication Details
| Author(s): | Jane Jenson; | ||
| Publisher: | Canadian Policy Research Networks [ Visit Website ] | ||
| Year Published: | 2003; | Publisher Type: | Research Institute |
| Publicly Available: | Yes | Research Focus: | International; National; Provincial; |
| Registration Required: | No | Language: | English French |
| Payment Required: | No | Publication Format: | Adobe PDF |
Subjects / Categories:
Policy Articles / Children & Family / Daycare & Childcare
Policy Articles / Children & Family / Poverty
Policy Articles / Children & Family / Social Justice
Policy Articles / Welfare & Social Issues / Social Security
Policy Articles / Children & Family / Daycare & Childcare / 2003
Policy Articles / Children & Family / Poverty / 2003
Policy Articles / Children & Family / Social Justice / 2003
Policy Articles / Welfare & Social Issues / Social Security / 2003
Policy Articles / Children & Family
Policy Articles / Welfare & Social Issues
Keywords / Tags:
welfare mix; market income; family resources; community resources; government assistance; redesigning social policy; family wage; early childhood education;