Newcomers Navigating the Welfare State

Reviews / Votes

Social protection is the collective insurance against individual risks; however, when migrants, asylum seekers, and EU citizens access these social rights, the perception of the larger population differs, with some viewing migrants as receiving 'excessive' welfare benefits whilst take-up remains under the rate of natives. Vandermeerschen, Mescoli, Lafleur, and De Cuyper's book is exceptional in explaining how street-level bureaucrats employ privileged discretion to interpret formal rights, categorise, and stratify 'immigrants' based on shared understandings of deservingness. In doing so, social protection can paradoxically accentuate, rather than mitigate, social inequalities in countries with high welfare such as Belgium. This is a must-read for those interested how nation, belonging and borders are practiced and reimagined in contemporary Europe not only on their physical, flag flying frontier but in welfare provision, i.e. in invisible yet effectives sites of state bureaucracy. - Roxana Barbules, University of Leeds UK One of the strengths of the book is its approach to 'accessibility' as a process of interaction between the institution and its implementers on the one hand, and the clients on the other. It focuses on how the welfare state deals with migrants and newcomers in its policies towards the socio-economically disadvantaged. By mapping the process of support at different levels, the study is valuable not only for researchers but also for policy makers and practitioners. The latter can learn a lot about their role in this process. Rinus Penninx, Em. Professor of the University of Amsterdam. *'Newcomers Navigating the Welfare State' is a wonderful book that sheds light on the implementation of welfare policy towards immigrant beneficiaries in Belgium. The book combines a plurality of perspectives and shows complexities surrounding provision of and access to social security benefits by newcomers. The detailed description and in-depth analysis goes beyond our current theoretical and empirical understanding of the intersection between welfare and migration governance. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in migration and social welfare studies. *- Bozena Sojka, University of Glasgow This book offers in-depth insights into social assistance to newly arrived immigrant beneficiaries, based on research that gives voice to all stakeholders. Concepts of accessibility and 'street-level bureaucracy' explain social workers' social interventions and immigrants' experiences. A bold and nuanced analysis of how the safety net of our welfare state works. Highly recommended for policymakers and social workers.
Kristel Driessens, Universiteit Antwerpen The book's structure is logical, with clear sections that build upon one another. It begins with theoretical foundations before moving to the empirical case study. The book goes beyond a surface-level analysis and delves deeply into the complexities of the welfare administration and immigrants in the context of PCSW in Belgium. It provides valuable lessons for welfare administrations for immigrants in other democracies. The book is a valuable contribution to the academic discourse and strongly advocates for scholars, practitioners and citizens seeking a deeper understanding of welfare administration and immigration in contemporary society. This book serves as a reference manual for the scholars of the following areas but not limited to, law and governance, political science, public administration, welfare management, global politics, global governance, development economics, Social Work, public policy, and migration governance. Overall, the book stands as a commendable effort in providing a comprehensive analysis of a complex and multifaceted subject., Sigamani Panneer, European Journal of Social Work, 27(6), 1345-1348. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2024.2362700