Individuelle Autonomie im Status Arbeitslosigkeit ohne Leistungsbezug?

Abstract

The article discusses new findings on a vulnerable group particularly interesting for questions of individual autonomy in the welfare state: those registered unemployed who are excluded from any unemployment benefits or social assistance entitlements (currently 208,000 in Germany) or who would not take up benefits to avoid stigmatisation. Using data from interviews and panel data analyses, and referring to a relational, socio-philosophical concept of autonomy, the impact of this status on individual autonomy is examined. The findings reveal that the status as unemployed non-beneficiary is widely perceived as violating individual autonomy and feelings of social justice for various reasons.