Basic income support on probation during the employment crisis and reform discussions

Abstract

"More than five years after the introduction of SGB II (Book II of the Social Code), this contribution offers a stocktaking based on research findings which also includes initial experiences with the phase of economic upturn. The article commences with a presentation of the important facts. These include the development, structures and dynamics of drawing benefits under SGB II. After this, the findings on instruments and services under SGB II that are already available are dealt with - and also the question of what functions and has had an effect, and what has not. A central element of the 'Hartz IV' reform package was the activation of those in need of support. For this reason, it is sensible to examine what concessions those receiving benefits are willing to make in order to get employment. The article also takes account of the considerable heterogeneity of those requiring support. Among other things, this is mirrored in the fact that persons in employment with an income that is not sufficient to support their existence belong to the group of persons receiving means-tested unemployment benefit (ALG II) to quite a considerable degree. This topic, discussed controversially in the political sphere, is given a further section. Before a resume is made, we discuss the reform agenda proposed by the new Federal Government, together with the possibilities and limitations related to it." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Steinke, J. & Walwei, U. (2012): Bewährung der Grundsicherung in der Beschäftigungskrise und Reformdiskussion. In: W. Hanesch & H. Fukawa (Hrsg.) (2012): Das letzte Netz sozialer Sicherung in der Bewährung : ein deutsch-japanischer Vergleich, p. 293-316.