Towards Two-tier Universalism? A Discussion of the Welfare Principle

Abstract

Abstract:In this study the common political discourse on the 'challenge of immigration' to the Danish welfare state is turned on its head. Instead of focusing on the costs and difficulties of immigration, the focus is first upon the challenge that recent policies on immigration and integration constitute to the principle of universalism; and second upon the ability of the principle to encompass ethnic diversity. It is argued that a revision of the implicit normativity of the Danish welfare state is necessary in order to secure equality for all groups of society and positive selective measures based on recognition and status equality are proposed as a possible theoretical tool to further this.

Changing governance, changing needs interpretations: implications for universalism

“…Particularity derives its moral standard from an underlying universalism – the idea that differences should be equally respected. Universalism is about creating universal measures that enable all citizens to be treated with equal consideration and respect without resulting in demands of uniformity or assimilation (Kristensen, 2007). Learning from Nancy Fraser's work on politics of recognition, Kristensen (2007, p. 57) argues that an explicit inclusion of recognition in the discussion of universalism allows for a revision of the implicit normativity of the principle.…”

“…Used in specific contexts, however, further clarifications will often have to be made (Kristensen, 2007). In reference to health care, Rothstein emphasises that treating everyone with "equal concern and respect" does not mean that all citizens are treated the same in the sense that they get an equal share of resources.…”

“…From the ideational perspective of policy making “universalism” figures as a positive term, associated with “social institutions that foster integration and discourage alienation” (Titmuss, 1968, p. 133) or the right of citizens to be treated with “equal concern and respect” (Rothstein, 1998). Used in specific contexts, however, further clarifications will often have to be made (Kristensen, 2007). In reference to health care, Rothstein emphasises that treating everyone with “equal concern and respect” does not mean that all citizens are treated the same in the sense that they get an equal share of resources.…”

Strekk i laget for den ‘nordiske modellenʼ?

“…Vedrørende sistnevnte har det tidligere vaert uenighet om integrasjonsytelsen kunne symbolisere et stort dansk brudd med den nordiske modellen. Kristensen (2007) hevdet at den reduserte ytelsen utgjør et brudd med universalismeprinsippet, siden ytelsen er rettet mot en spesifikk gruppe, i tillegg til at den kan virke marginaliserende økonomisk sett. Andersen (2007) derimot har beskrevet den danske integrasjonsytelsen som et unntak, og at den danske velferdsstaten fortsatt har vaert inkluderende overfor innvandrere.…”

Dependent, Deprived or Deviant? The Case of Single Mothers in Denmark

“…The principle of universalism gained stronghold with the Pension Reform of 1956, which was later followed by universality in relation to social policies as social security, health, and education. Universalism aims at reducing social inequality, and although this aim has been challenged and transformed, decades later this goal of creating equal opportunities for all is perceived as instrumental for maintaining a socially coherent welfare society (Kristensen, 2007). As Kristensen argues although the universal welfare principles, such as the principle of universalism, are often based on an incomplete understanding of the citizen, in Denmark women are in general terms included in the notion of the implicit Danish citizen (Kristensen, 2007, p. 57).…”