Norwegian labour activation: Building or limiting social citizenship for service users far from the labour market?

Abstract

This chapter takes a close look at activation policy to explore the extent to which it supports or limits social citizenship for service users far from the labour market. In Norway, as in other European countries, employment is considered a means of attaining self-sufficiency, economic freedom, self-realisation and societal recognition for individuals and groups. In many respects, labour market participation and employment form the basis for social inclusion and citizenship. Nevertheless, some people may experience difficulties obtaining paid employment over time. The authors explore how Norwegian activation policies aimed at preventing social exclusion affect such long-term service users in terms of social citizenship. Drawing on qualitative interviews with service users of Norwegian labour and welfare services (NAV), this chapter studies activation policy from the perspective of the service users’ experiences. Applying Jenson’s notion of social citizenship and Fraser’s theory of social justice, the authors analyse how the programme promotes or hampers participation and inclusion, as well as what this means in terms of social citizenship. The findings demonstrate that activation may mean enhanced inclusion and participation for some service users but also loss of status and further exclusion for others.