27 July 2011
The truth about life on welfare
A new book co-authored by RMIT University academics shatters the myths and reveals the untold stories of those living on welfare.
The book reveals the untold stories of those living on welfare.
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Half a Citizen: Life on welfare in Australia draws on in-depth interviews with 150 welfare recipients from around the country.
Co-authored by Associate Professor Suellen Murray and Dr Sonia Martin, from the School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning, the book investigates the lives beyond the statistics to explode the powerful myths and assumptions on which welfare policy is based.
Associate Professor Murray said contrary to the "dole bludger" stereotypes, the majority of welfare recipients interviewed made significant contributions to their communities.
"It's extremely difficult to live on a low income but most people we talked to were very active, despite the problems of poverty and housing instability that they faced," she said.
"Many want to work but for various reasons aren't able to - some have disabilities, or the jobs just aren't there, or they're caring for children or family members.
"We have this idea that people on welfare need 'social inclusion' programs to keep them plugged into society.
"But a key finding of our research was the enormous level of community contribution made by people on welfare.
"They're volunteering, helping neighbours, caring for relatives or friends - their deep involvement in the community was quite striking."
Dr Martin said the participants' stories challenged the ways in which "participation" was understood and constructed in social policy.
"In a context of privileging paid work as the 'main game', other forms of participation are devalued," she said.
Associate Professor Murray and Dr Martin's co-authors were Associate Professor John Murphy (University of Melbourne), Dr Jenny Chalmers (University of New South Wales) and Associate Professor Greg Marston (University of Queensland).
The researchers interviewed people from suburban Melbourne and regional Victoria, Brisbane and Sydney for the book in a project funded by an ARC Linkage Grant supported by industry partner Jobs Australia.
Endorsements for Half a Citizen:
- "This important and illuminating book provides a powerful and harrowing depiction of the inadequacies of the Australian welfare system. Its findings challenge the foundations and direction of the welfare reform agenda."
Professor Peter Saunders, University of New South Wales - "This major new study challenges many myths about life on welfare and in low paid work. It should be read by anyone concerned with welfare reform."
Jane Millar, Professor of Social Policy, University of Bath, UK
Half a Citizen: Life on welfare in Australia ($39.99, Allen & Unwin, 2011) is available now.
University and TAFE teaching staff who are considering using the title as a textbook may request an inspection copy.
