The broker role in societal activation of long-term welfare recipients: A jack of all trades?

Abstract

Summary Socioeconomic status and health are strongly related to the ability of a person to participate in society. Acting upon activation and employment possibilities is difficult for several groups. One group described as especially hard to activate is long-term welfare recipients. In the current study, the role of an activation broker was studied as a supplementary practice to regular support practices. A qualitative research design using an analysis of the administrative logbook of the activation broker and interviews with professionals ( n = 8) and long-term welfare recipients ( n = 10) was carried out. To structure the retrieved data, the Activation Broker Wheel was developed. Findings Seven core behaviours were identified and categorized in three determinants; capabilities, opportunities and motivation. Contextual factors supporting the activation broker approach were selected. The activation broker approach was found to be successful in activating long-term welfare recipients. Applications The behaviours, determinants and context made visible within the Activation Broker Wheel provided insight into workable elements that may help future activation brokers to optimize their support.