The politics and practicalities of universalism: towards a citizen-centred perspective on social protection

Kabeer, Naila ORCID: 0000-0001-7769-9540 (2014) The politics and practicalities of universalism: towards a citizen-centred perspective on social protection. European Journal of Development Research, 26 (3). pp. 338-354. ISSN 0957-8811

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Abstract

The long-standing divide between universal and residual approaches in the field of social policy is also evident in the emerging agenda around social protection. Underpinning this divide are contrasting worldviews. Arguments in favour of residual approaches are frequently couched in a market-centred discourse that stresses efficiency, incentives and a cost-benefit calculus, while those advocating universalism favour a state-centred discourse and normative arguments. This article attempts to bridge the divide by offering a pragmatic argument for incremental universalism that stresses the responsibilities as well as rights associated with citizenship, and suggests the need to factor in wider economic and social externalities in estimating both costs and benefits.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	http://www.palgrave-journals.com/ejdr/index.html
Additional Information:	© 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Divisions:	Gender Studies
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Date Deposited:	16 Oct 2013 13:15
Last Modified:	25 Feb 2024 17:48
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/53578

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