Yttersta skyddsnätet – ett liv med krav och aktivering

Sammanfattning: Throughout the history of Sweden the work first concept can be found as a fundamental concept that has influenced social policy as well as labor market policy. The demand for quid pro quo has however varied over time. The purpose of this essay has been to examine whether the economic officers at Social Services work according to the work first concept in their contact with clients. The purpose has also been to find out which demands were made on clients wishing to claim social benefits. To answer these questions we have made use of a qualitative method, in which six economic officers from Social Services were interviewed. The results showed that the economic officers worked according to the work first concept, which permeates their work. The primary goals for clients were employment and stimulation, as well as achieving self-sufficiency. The main purpose was for clients to move closer to being available in the labor force. The majority of the respondents questioned how they could discuss the work first concept when clients were so far from being available for work in the labor force.