Welfare That Works for Women?: Mothers' Experiences of the Conditionality within Universal Credit

Women have faced disadvantage in the social security system for generations, and this book analyzes fresh empirical evidence to demonstrate the gendered impacts of Universal Credit's new conditionality regime. It highlights the effects on women's unpaid caring roles, position in the paid labor market, and agency regarding engagement in unpaid care and paid work. The book offers a compelling narrative and policy recommendations to improve the gendered impact of Universal Credit and make the UK's social citizenship framework more inclusive of women.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Women have faced significant disadvantages in the social security system for generations. This book presents fresh empirical evidence that sheds light on the gendered impacts of the new conditionality regime within Universal Credit. It highlights how the regime affects women's unpaid caring roles, their position in the paid labour market, and their agency regarding engagement in unpaid care and paid work. Ultimately, it underscores the negative effects on the position of low-income women in the UK's social security system and society.
The book draws on in-depth interviews with mothers to provide a compelling narrative and practical policy recommendations to improve the gendered impact of Universal Credit and make the UK's social citizenship framework more inclusive of women. By examining the experiences of mothers, the book highlights the challenges faced by women in accessing and navigating the social security system and offers solutions to address these issues.
The book begins by examining the historical context of women's disadvantage in the social security system. It traces the development of social security policies in the UK and identifies the ways in which they have perpetuated gender inequality. It then discusses the introduction of Universal Credit and its impact on women's lives. The book highlights the ways in which Universal Credit has exacerbated existing gender disparities, particularly in relation to unpaid care work and the paid labour market.
One of the key findings of the book is that Universal Credit has had a significant impact on women's unpaid caring roles. Women are often the primary caregivers in families, and the new conditionality regime within Universal Credit has placed additional burdens on them. The regime requires claimants to meet certain conditions in order to receive benefits, and these conditions can be difficult for women to meet, particularly if they are working or have other caring responsibilities. For example, claimants may be required to attend job interviews or training courses, which can be challenging to arrange around their caring responsibilities.
The book also highlights the ways in which Universal Credit has affected women's position in the paid labour market. Women are often paid less than men for doing the same job, and the new conditionality regime has made it even more difficult for them to access higher-paying jobs. The regime requires claimants to meet certain conditions in order to receive benefits, and these conditions can be difficult for women to meet, particularly if they are working or have other caring responsibilities. For example, claimants may be required to attend job interviews or training courses, which can be challenging to arrange around their caring responsibilities.
In addition to the impact on women's unpaid caring roles and position in the paid labour market, Universal Credit has also had a negative impact on women's agency regarding engagement in unpaid care and paid work. The regime requires claimants to meet certain conditions in order to receive benefits, and these conditions can be difficult for women to meet, particularly if they are working or have other caring responsibilities. This can lead to a sense of disempowerment and a lack of control over their own lives.
The book also highlights the ways in which Universal Credit has affected low-income women in the UK. Low-income women are often the most vulnerable in society, and the new conditionality regime has made it even more difficult for them to access social security benefits. The regime requires claimants to meet certain conditions in order to receive benefits, and these conditions can be difficult for low-income women to meet, particularly if they are working or have other caring responsibilities. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and social exclusion.
To address these issues, the book offers a range of policy recommendations. These recommendations include increasing the level of benefits for low-income families, providing more flexible working arrangements, and improving access to childcare. The book also suggests that the government should work to address the gendered impacts of the social security system by implementing policies that promote gender equality and support women's economic empowerment.
In conclusion, this book presents fresh empirical evidence that sheds light on the gendered impacts of the new conditionality regime within Universal Credit. It highlights the ways in which the regime affects women's unpaid caring roles, their position in the paid labour market, and their agency regarding engagement in unpaid care and paid work. By examining the experiences of mothers, the book offers a compelling narrative and practical policy recommendations to improve the gendered impact of Universal Credit and make the UK's social citizenship framework more inclusive of women.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447366386