Five Years of Social Code II : An Attempt of Drawing a Balance

Abstract

"The Social Code II (SGB II) came into effect on January 1st, 2005 - that is, nearly five years ago. Based on a synopsis of existing empirical findings, historical investigations and theoretical considerations, this article results in an ambiguous picture of the social aid reform, that far exceeds a mere administrative consolidation of unemployment benefit and social aid. Speaking of a radical change seems wrong, however. Rather, in spite of all the terminological changes, as in 'activation', the reform is characterised by general continuity and a further pursuit of previously initiated changes in social policy. Analytically and politically significant tendencies of change are identified in the reduction of status differences, the 'de-biographisation' of social aid, conflicting logics of justice and a self-asserting subject image of the 'commodified' labourer-citizen." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku)

Cite article

Promberger, M. (2009): Fünf Jahre SGB II. Versuch einer Bilanz. In: WSI-Mitteilungen, Vol. 62, No. 11, p. 604-611. DOI:10.5771/0342-300X-2009-11-604