Abstract

Understanding sanctions (VerSa) - A mixed method study on sanctions in the means-tested basic income system The project investigates how the process of sanctioning is perceived by those involved. It uses a mixed-method approach that aims at reconstructing the meanings ("understanding") of (possible) sanctions in the means-tested basic income system. Firstly, processes in jobcentres that are related to sanctions and the possibility of sanctioning are examined. Of particular interest are changes in sanctionning practices after the German Federal Constitutional Court ruled sanctions to be partly unconstitutional as well as changes in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and the envisaged so-called 'Bürgergeld'-reform. Secondly, the relations between benefit recipients and jobcentres will be a focus of the analyses. The project investigates how jobcentre staff describe their relationship to benefit recipients in the framework of the different role expectation of cooperation and control, which role (potential) sanctions play in interactions between jobcenter staff and benefit recipients, and which experiences benefit recipients make in interactions with the jobcentre. Thirdly, the project explores the relevance of potential sanctions and the consequences of financial sanctions for jobseekers.The project uses interviews with jobcentre staff and benefit recipients, participant observation in jobcentres and a standardised online-survey to answer these questions.