Work

Familisation and defamilisation processes of social safety net: Low-income families’ welfare participation experiences in Shanghai and Taipei

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study used the conceptual lens of familisation and defamilisation to examine how different social safety net policy instruments shape low-income family processes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 welfare recipients in Shanghai and Taipei. The study reveals unique patterns under non-Western and low-income contexts. Means-tested cash transfers inadvertently reinforced familisation processes; defamilisation tendencies were observed in subsidies and services tailored for children and parents, and a hybrid process emerged from employment support. Given that low-income families value both defamilisation and familisation measures, the study highlights the critical need for social safety net policies to balance these components.

Source: International Social Work

DOI: 10.1177/00208728251319496

Authors: Xi Zhao, Julia Shu-Huah Wang

Institutions: Renmin University of China, National Taiwan University

Language: English

Topic: Social Policies and Family

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Renmin University of China, Ministry of Education, India, National Science and Technology Council, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities