ESSERE MERITEVOLI? Le tattiche e le strategie dei beneficiari del Reddito di Cittadinanza per fronteggiare la condizionalità/Being deserving? Agency and strategies of the Italian Citizenship Income beneficiaries to cope with conditionality

Abstract

Abstract

The introduction of the Reddito di Cittadinanza (RdC) in Italy has spurred public debate regarding policies to combat poverty. The measure, which requires adherence to social and employment activation pacts, has led to discussions about the deservingness of beneficiaries. Stereotypes paint recipients as lazy or deceitful, fostering a narrative of “aporophobia” or hatred towards the poor. This article explores how beneficiaries of the RdC navigate the imposed conditionality, utilizing their agency and strategies to legitimize their access to public support. Based on 42 qualitative interviews in Turin, the study delves into the beneficiaries’ tactics to counteract stigma and maintain dignity, revealing their resistance and adaptation strategies in response to the conditionality of welfare policies.

Keywords:
Conditionality; deservingness; recipients agency.