Negative stereotypes play a major role in the lives of social assistance recipients

Negative stereotypes about social assistance recipients are persistent and occur both in public and in private spheres. Many social assistance recipients eventually internalize these negative stereotypes in their own self-image. This is evident from research by Amber Vellinga-Dings, on which she will defend her PhD thesis at the University of Groningen on 1 October. ‘Current policy actually undermines the self-reliance of social assistance recipients that it aims to promote.’

People who rely on long-term social assistance often find themselves in difficult circumstances. Vellinga-Dings investigated how individuals on long-term social assistance experience being a social assistance recipient and the challenges they face in daily life. She also explored whether a group course could support their self-confidence and well-being.

Negative self-image

Vellinga-Dings: ‘In our society, there is often a negative perception of people receiving social assistance. They are seen as lazy or incompetent. We also refer to these negative stereotypes as “welfare stigma”.’ The research shows that negative stereotypes exist both in public and in private spheres. Many welfare recipients adopt these negative stereotypes into their own self-image. ‘The participants in the study themselves had a negative view of social assistance recipients before they ended up in asssistance themselves. Once they found themselves in that situation, they quickly developed a negative self-image.’ They feel inadequate or like failures. This can lead to feelings of shame, stress, loneliness, and sometimes destructive behaviour, such as social isolation, excessive alcohol use, or eating disorders.

Accumulation of problems

In addition to labour market and financial challenges, social assistance recipients often face health issues, difficulties in their social networks and families, struggles with household management, administration, and general daily tasks. According to Vellinga-Dings, the support needed should focus on improving overall well-being, strengthening social networks, and developing skills that help people feel more in control of their own lives.

Recognizing valuable contributions

To break through these negative feelings, it is essential that both social assistance recipients and their surroundings recognize the value of what they do contribute and the roles they fulfil during periods without paid work. Vellinga-Dings: ‘This can be done in a very low-threshold way. For example, job coaches can consciously acknowledge the meaningful roles someone fulfils - such as a parent, child, volunteer, caregiver, or neighbour - and explicitly name and recognize these.’

What works?

Vellinga-Dings’ research shows that the GRIP&GLANS group course, developed by University of Groningen professor Steverink, yields promising results for this target group. Both the sense of personal control and well-being increase, while feelings of loneliness and stress decrease. Vellinga-Dings: ‘This is valuable at an individual level, but lasting improvement requires broader societal changes. Social policies that prioritize participation but overlook well-being, identity, and stigma actually undermine the self-reliance of social assistance recipients that they aim to promote. In media, podcasts, and journalism, stories are needed that challenge the stereotypical image of “the social assistance recipient”, making the value of unpaid work more visible. Politicians and policymakers can actively promote such perspectives. It should become clearer that receiving social assistance is not a personal failure but a risk that anyone can face.’

More information

• Amber Vellinga-Dings