The Scope and Boundaries of Separated Functions in the Implementation of Basic Income Support

Abstract

This article discusses the effects of the separation of functions in basic income support, as found in the evaluation according to paragraph 6c of Social Code II (SGB II), in which the efficiency of 'ARGE' administration associations and 'opting' municipalities was compared. The article considers the development of separated service functions, the organisation of the service process within the scope of SGB II, the governance of separated functions, and the organisation of the service processes at the interfaces to further social legislation in the Federal Employment Agency's (BA) and municipalities' areas of responsibility. The separation of functions constitutes a model of implementation not legally intended, which contradicts structurally a previously central aim of reform, namely a unique provider of services. The author concludes that the extent of cooperation between service providers, within the scope of SGB II and beyond, depends on the locally operating decision-makers. In general, there is a contradiction between the welfare-state-oriented logic of SGB II and the economic logic of SGB III. In the light of the BA's focus on fiscal efficiency, the author perceives a danger of 'the economic logic predominating and potentially disadvantaging hard-to-place employment-seeking persons, or of long-term and holistic integration strategies remaining under-developed'. (IAB)

Cite article

Kaps, P. (2009): Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der getrennten Aufgabenwahrnehmung zur Umsetzung der Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende. In: J. Lange (Hrsg.) (2009): SGB II : die Lehren aus der Evaluationsforschung nach § 6c (Loccumer Protokolle, 2009,09), p. 207-223.