Open AccessWelfare Reform and Disability in Slovakia: exploring neoliberalism, social justice and employment policy
Author(s) -
Robert Gould,
Sarah Parker Harris
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
disability studies quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2159-8371
pISSN - 1041-5718
DOI - 10.18061/dsq.v32i2.3200
Subject(s) - workfare , neoliberalism (international relations) , political science , legislation , welfare , economic justice , government (linguistics) , social protection , public administration , law , philosophy , linguistics
There is growing concern from disability activists that welfare–to-work (workfare) policies present substantial barriers to participation in the open labor market for people with disabilities. Perceived success of the U.S. workfare policy in reducing government expenditures, however, sparked the Slovak Republic to adopt similar policy. The article explores how the recently implemented workfare system created because of the Slovak National Action Plan on Social Inclusion (NAPS) affects the open labor market participation of people with disabilities. It draws on Nancy Fraser’s theory of social justice to frame injustices in the policies and practices surrounding the Slovak workfare system for people with disabilities. It examines five key areas outlined in the NAPS that directly impact the participation of people with disabilities in the labor market in Slovakia: stigma, accessibility, training, legislation, and supported employment. Keywords: Disability, Slovakia, Workfare, Nancy Fraser, Human Rights