From the WPA to Workfare

Abstract

This paper examines two fundamentally different types of government work programs that have been implemented in the U.S. from the 1930's through the 1980's. Voluntary job creation programs, such as the Works Progress Administration in the 1930's and the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act in the 1970's, have created conflicts with the logic of capitalist production- for-profit. Contradictory regulations designed to avoid these conflicts have led to criticisms of the programs as "make-work" and inefficient. On the other hand, mandatory programs, such as workfare and the 1988 Family Support Act, have channeled welfare recipients into the low wage labor market and are consonant with production-for-profit criteria. Drawing on this analysis, principles and policies are suggested for a progressive government work program.