There’s No Love in ‘Tough Love’
Published on February 2, 1998
Tough love refers to the conventional ‘wisdom’ now shaping the design of many social programs. The term typically gets used in relation to welfare and has influenced the design of workfare – which involves compulsory work or community service in exchange for welfare benefits. This commentary argues that the evidence does not support a one-size-fits-all workfare model to help welfare recipients get back to work. Successful welfare-to-work programs involve a multifaceted approach with a range of interventions including jobs, skills and supports. Successful programs take the form of a strategic and intelligent war on poverty – not a simplistic war on the poor.
ISBN – 1-895796-99-7