Unequal priorities: how intra-household resource allocation and means-tested benefits affect capabilities in poor families
Loading...
Authors
Author (Corporation)
Publication date
2025
Typ of student thesis
Course of study
Type
01A - Journal article
Editors
Editor (Corporation)
Supervisor
Parent work
Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society
Special issue
DOI of the original publication
Link
Series
Series number
Volume
Issue / Number
Pages / Duration
Patent number
Publisher / Publishing institution
Oxford University Press
Place of publication / Event location
Edition
Version
Programming language
Assignee
Practice partner / Client
Abstract
Means-tested welfare is usually provided at the household level. However, resources are not necessarily shared equally among household members. Benefits may thus have different effects on individuals depending on their position in the household. Based on interviews with twenty-four poor families in Switzerland and drawing on the capability approach, this article analyzes how practices of intra-household resource sharing interact with the design of social assistance and NGO benefits in shaping capabilities. Women in couples tend to be disadvantaged in resource distribution, but due to joint eligibility with their partners, it can be difficult for them to access benefits. Children and younger adults are favored by intergenerational redistribution, especially regarding their opportunities for education and participation. Moreover, NGO benefits are more easily available for children, whereas young adults are favored by their independent eligibility for benefits. The article concludes that independently accessible benefits would improve the capabilities of women.
Keywords
Event
Exhibition start date
Exhibition end date
Conference start date
Conference end date
Date of the last check
ISBN
ISSN
1072-4745
1468-2893
1468-2893
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Closed
License
Citation
Gonon, A. (2025). Unequal priorities: how intra-household resource allocation and means-tested benefits affect capabilities in poor families. Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/sp/jxaf030