Sticks, carrots and the occasional nudge: Should social security policy be focused on trying to change behaviour?

How far should social security policy be focused on trying to change behaviour? Does this get in the way of anti-poverty efforts, or is it an essential part of supporting people out of hardship? And what role is there for conditionality in efforts to ‘support’ people into paid work?

In this webinar, you’ll hear experts explore these issues, and get the chance to contribute through polls and discussion.

First, Wendy, a full-time carer, parent and participant in the Benefit Changes and Larger Families research programme, will share her experiences of the two-child limit. You’ll then hear from Dr Kate Andersen and Mary Reader on what happens when the state attempts to affect fertility decisions through the imposition of a two-child limit. Professor Sharon Wright will draw on her research that demonstrates the problems with welfare conditionality and benefit sanctions. And finally Professor Alan Deacon will reflect on the rapid changes in social security policy since the 1980s, and how his own view on conditionality has shifted over time.

The webinar will be chaired by Anoosh Chakelian, New Statesman. Sign up for it here.

This webinar is part of the Benefit Changes and Larger Families research programme, funded by the Nuffield Foundation.

Presentations

Conditional welfare in the punitive era

Sharon Wright

Fertility and the two-child limit: does cutting child benefits really affect fertility?

Mary Reader and Kate Andersen

Video