Welfare Reform and Disability in Slovakia: exploring neoliberalism, social justice and employment policy

Authors

  • Robert Gould University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Sarah Parker Harris University of Illinois at Chicago

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v32i2.3200

Keywords:

Disability, Slovakia, Workfare, Nancy Fraser, Human Rights

Abstract

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

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Published

2012-04-09

How to Cite

Gould, R., & Parker Harris, S. (2012). Welfare Reform and Disability in Slovakia: exploring neoliberalism, social justice and employment policy. Disability Studies Quarterly, 32(2). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v32i2.3200

Issue

Section

Special Topic: International Articles