From Self-Sufficiency to Personal and Family Sustainability: A New Paradigm for Social Policy

Authors

Robert Leibson Hawkins, New York University

Abstract

Current social policy that affects welfare recipients focuses on the concept of "self-sufficiency" where leaving welfare for work is the goal. While this approach has reduced welfare rolls, it has not necessarily helped low-income people improve their economic, educational, or social outlook. This paper suggests that the concept of Personal and Family Sustainability (PFS) may be a better way to evaluate and direct social policy. A definition of PFS is developed from the environmental and community development roots of sustainability and four domains for creating PFS indicators are introduced.

Recommended Citation

Hawkins, Robert Leibson (2005) "From Self-Sufficiency to Personal and Family Sustainability: A New Paradigm for Social Policy," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 32: Iss. 4, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3115
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol32/iss4/6