Risk factors of social assistance transitions: a case-control study for Germany. Issue 13 (4th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fuchs, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: International journal of sociology and social policy. Volume 37:Issue 13/14(2017)
• Page Start: 714
• Page End: 728
• Publication Date: 2017-12-04
• Subjects: Poverty -- Individualisation -- Life course risks -- Social assistance -- Social stratification; Sociology -- Periodicals; Social policy -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1108/IJSSP-11-2016-0123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-333X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Poverty transitions can be explained by two opposing theories: the traditional sociological approach that focusses on social stratification and individualisation theory, which emphasises on life course risks for all strata. Both perspectives have been investigated extensively for income poverty while neglecting other important poverty indicators, such as deprivation or the receipt of social assistance. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the latter to investigate the impact of social stratification (e.g. social class), life course risks (e.g. health problems), and their interactions on the probability of social assistance entry for Germany. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis utilises survey data containing a sample of first-time social assistance entrants and a sample of the residential population. Applying case-control methodology, logistic regression is conducted to model the impact of social stratification determinants, life course risks, and their interactions on the probability of social assistance entry. Findings: Social stratification determinants, particularly social class, have a significant effect. However, their effect is weaker than the effect of life course risks. Contrary to the prediction of individualisation theory, the poverty-triggering impact of life course risks varies substantially by social stratum. The combination of both theories yields high predictive power. Originality/value: This paper is the first to comprehensively test social stratification and individualisation theory with respect to social assistance receipt as a poverty indicator. It is the first paper that investigates the entire population at risk of social assistance entry in Germany.