Centering on Structural and Individual Employment Barriers for Human–Social Development

Abstract

This paper examines structural and individual employment barriers as forms of social exclusion resulting from the US social policy’s labor-market dependency and its heavy reliance on individual agency and the market forces to address poverty and inequality. Using large-scale community-based survey data, the study finds evidence of perceived employment barriers—at both structural and individual levels—affecting employment and economic self-sufficiency outcomes. A latent profile analysis identified three subpopulations with one representing an intersectional overlap of both structural and individual barriers. We suggest rebuilding of the social contract by centering on structural and individual barriers toward social and human development—freedom, justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.