Life stories about work
- Start: 1 March 2023
- Status: completed
In this project, we explore the desires, needs and opportunities of participants in unpaid sheltered employment who wish to move into paid employment. The research is made possible by Instituut Gak as part of the Step by Step programme.
Description
What is important for individuals in unpaid sheltered employment as they attempt to transition into paid employment? In both policy and practice, the emphasis is often on economic factors, such as salary levels or the potential loss of benefits or allowances.
However, achieving 'parity of participation' on the labour market also requires recognition, representation and contribution. This study examined how these conditions influence individual experiences with different types of employment and their transitions between them.
We investigated the importance people attach to these conditions within the context of their life stories, recognizing that past experiences shape how they perceive the present and envision the future. In doing so, we contribute to the development of theory on ‘parity of participation’. We investigated this by conducting multiple interviews over a two-year period with participants of the Step by Step programme. The project concluded at the end of June 2025. Sanne Wouters is now delving into the participants’ stories and will write a PhD dissertation based on them.
Results
We conclude that there are too few suitable paid (supported) workplaces, making it difficult or even impossible for people to transition into paid employment. The workplaces that do exist often fail to provide parity of participation, as essential conditions such as recognition or making a meaningful contribution are lacking. Unpaid sheltered employment often does offer these elements, but this is not recognized by society as 'real work.' This leads to feelings of inferiority among participants in such programs. In our research report, we present these key findings in a narrative form and offer recommendations for a more inclusive and just labour market.
Previously, together with participants of Step by Step, we created the magazine Welkom Werk, in which they share their experiences in a way that suits them.
Researchers
Partners
More than 25 day care providers in The Netherlands.
(Co-)Financing
Het onderzoek wordt mogelijk gemaakt door Instituut Gak.
Also see
- Stap voor Stap programme of Instituut Gak (in Dutch)
Contact
Thomas Kampen, T.Kampen@UvH.nl.
In this project, we explore the desires, needs and opportunities of participants in unpaid sheltered employment who wish to move into paid employment. The research is made possible by Instituut Gak as part of the 'Step by Step programme'.