Human rights, power and welfare conditionality

Over the last 10 to 15 years, talk about economic and social rights has become part of social policy debates in developed countries. Rights-based approaches emphasise participation, yet the debate around economic and social rights is largely driven from above. This article examines the extent to which the values which underpin rights-based approaches are consistent with the values of those whom such an approach is designed to help. The values underlying rights-based approaches and those with experience of poverty are identified and then compared in three ways: in general; in relation to the specific issue of welfare conditionality; and as prescriptions for action. The comparative analysis is facilitated by linking the discussion of values to discussion of the forms of power relationships involved in rights-based approaches and what is valued by those with experience of poverty. While there is considerable overlap between rights-based approaches and what is valued by those with experience of poverty, there are also subtle differences which should not be ignored.