Unternavigation

Social welfare measures address individuals and groups with differing needs and in differing circumstances. The statutory criteria for access to welfare state services or benefits create administrative categories such as the “unemployed” or the “retiree”, and regulations stipulate who is, and who is not, entitled to support. For those in such specified categories, systems of social security provide specific services, such as financial aid or counseling services, or benefits. At the same time, those in need, or eligible, are also under the control of the welfare state. They may need to show their willingness to be (re)integrated into the labor market, for example. The 20th century saw a substantial increase in the number of individuals who participated in such social welfare processes, and this also led to their forming groups to represent their collective interests. These organizations also draw attention to the social disadvantages they suffer in everyday life.