Universal Credit, Lone Mothers and Poverty: Some Ethical Challenges for Social Work with Children and Families

Abstract

This article critically evaluates and contests the flagship benefit delivery system Universal Credit for lone mothers by focusing on some of the ethical challenges it poses, as well as some key implications it holds for social work with lone mothers and their children. Universal Credit was first introduced in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2008, and echoes conditionality-based welfare policies adopted by neoliberal governments internationally on the assumption that paid employment offers a route out of poverty for citizens. However, research evidence suggests that the risks of conditionality polices for lone parents can often include increased poverty, a deterioration in mental health or even destitution posed by paternalistic sanctions or precarious low-paid employment, which can undermine parenting capacities and children's well-being. The article also critically appraises and questions challenges posed by an increased reliance upon contractual ethics by governments, alongside the wider behaviour-modifying policies of the workfare-orientated state. This includes that working-class lone mothers can erroneously be stigmatised as representing a morally challenged dependent burden through activation policies and risk-averse social work practices.

Young women and punishment within and beyond the penal system

“…While welfare conditionality is not new, having been introduced in 1996, its reach was extended significantly under the Coalition and subsequent Conservative governments' austerity policies, during which time conditions first imposed by the earlier Labour administration on formerly exempt groups, including lone parents and people with disabilities,became more stringent (Whitworth and Griggs, 2013). 'Work conditions' for individuals in receipt of welfare assistance have become even tougher under Universal Credit, which, since its phased introduction between 2013 and 2018, has led to a reduction in income for most claimants (Tiratelli et al, 2023), 5 with particularly negative consequences for women, lone parents and their children (Andersen, 2020;Carey and Bell, 2022). A new rule introduced in January 2023 requires Universal Credit claimants who work part time to increase their working hours (to at least 15, rather than 12, as was previously the case), or to increase their earnings by at least 25 per cent, in order to remain eligible for the benefit.…”

Not Leaving ‘Lone Migrant Mothers’ Behind: The Role of Place-based Childcare Support in Australia’s Marginalised Neighbourhoods

“…The outcome of this is poor mental health and undesirable parenting practices. Literature shows that lone parenthood is likely to cause chronic fatigue and stress (Campbell, Thomson, Fenton, & Gibson, 2016;Carey & Bell, 2021) -all of which are detrimental to one's well-being. This situation can quickly escalate into depression for lone mothers (Caragata & Liegghio, 2013;Carey & Bell, 2021;Kim & Kim, 2020).…”

“…Literature shows that lone parenthood is likely to cause chronic fatigue and stress (Campbell, Thomson, Fenton, & Gibson, 2016;Carey & Bell, 2021) -all of which are detrimental to one's well-being. This situation can quickly escalate into depression for lone mothers (Caragata & Liegghio, 2013;Carey & Bell, 2021;Kim & Kim, 2020). The situation is exacerbated by mothers' migrant status where they are in a constant struggle to reconstruct their identity, and sense of place while being confronted with the anxiety of childrearing.…”