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Beyond 'mythbusting': how to respond to myths and perceived undeservingness in the British benefits system

Baumberg Geiger, Ben, Meueleman, Bart (2016) Beyond 'mythbusting': how to respond to myths and perceived undeservingness in the British benefits system. Journal of Poverty and Social Issue, 24 (3). pp. 291-306. (doi:10.1332/175982716X14721954314968) (KAR id:58378)

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Abstract

In a context of ‘hardening’ attitudes towards benefit claimants in Britain, some argue that social security can only be rebuilt when ‘benefit myths’ and negative attitudes are tackled. However, this paper argues that some of these concerns are misplaced, based on evidence on (i) the extent of myths; (ii) the effectiveness of mythbusting; and (iii) the existence of myths/negative attitudes in times/places the benefits system is more popular. It argues that public attitudes are fundamentally characterised by ambivalence, and the critical issue is the balance between positive and negative aspects and which of these are triggered in public debate.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1332/175982716X14721954314968
Uncontrolled keywords: BENEFIT ATTITUDES; BRITAIN; KNOWLEDGE; MYTHS; SOCIAL SECURITY
Subjects: H Social Sciences
H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Lucie Patch
Date Deposited: 03 Nov 2016 15:55 UTC
Last Modified: 17 Aug 2022 12:21 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/58378 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Baumberg Geiger, Ben.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0341-3532
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