Welfare functions as social control by giving workers something to lose
Evidence
Th is function of social control of welfare is especially important in times of economic downturn when the labor force is separated from its primary system of control (that is, the labor market). Th e idea is that welfare inhibits workers’ inclination to break with the system as they still have something to lose. — Clara E. Mattei, The Capital Order, 1661
Categorization
- XREF: Directly connects to the reader’s austerity-as-class-weapon frame: welfare is analyzed not as charity but as a disciplinary institution, echoing Foucault-adjacent readings of social insurance. — connects to: Poverty and unemployment function as deliberate system solutions, not failures — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 159; Unemployment serves as discipline that keeps employed workers docile and grateful — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 282; Mass automation forces states to tighten social controls on the unemployed — Nick Couldry & Ulises A. Mejias, The Costs of Connection: How Data Is…, 241 (+9 more)
- DEEPTHINKING: Inverts the standard humanitarian account of welfare: it exists to keep labor pacified precisely when economic crisis strips away the labor market’s own disciplinary function.
Broader Connections
- Paternalism governs long-term inequalities through social rewards rather than force
#corroborates(0.92) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 671 - Social securitization functions as prophylaxis protecting existing power from challenge
#corroborates(0.88) — David Theo Goldberg, The Threat of Race, 483 - Unemployment functions as a deliberate worker-discipline device
#corroborates(0.82) — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 18 - Defunding public services structurally forces wage-dependence and demobilizes workers
#corroborates(0.78) — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 145 - Capitalism functions by redirecting social reproduction toward its own ends
#expands(0.72) — Max Haiven, Cultures of Financialization, 347