Quelle: WSI
: Issue 05/2025
WSI-Mitteilungen 5/2025
Katharina Bohnenberger, Florian Blank
Ecological Social Policy in the Sectors of the Welfare State
Abstract
Environmental crises such as global warming threaten the functioning of the welfare state. At the same time, social security also has an impact on the environment. The introductory article to the special issue gives a short overview of specific characteristics of the German welfare state and identifies three analytical perspectives on the interactions between social policy and environmental (policy). The traditional sectors of the welfare state, such as pensions, long-term care, health or basic security, have ecological effects in various ways. The article outlines these hitherto unnoticed effects of the welfare state as an opportunity for a positive ecological handprint and outlines a paradigm shift for an ecological social policy in Germany. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 5/2025
Irene Becker, Torben Fischer, Benjamin Held, Moritz Rüppel
Ecologically Oriented Basic Income Support. Starting Points and Deliberative Foundation
Abstract
In Germany’s ecological transformation, policy measures have so far primarily targeted middle- and higher-income groups. While these groups contribute disproportionately to CO₂ emissions, they also have the means to adapt their lifestyles in more sustainable ways. In contrast, there is a lack of adequate policy concepts for lower-income groups, particularly those receiving basic income support, that would enable them to live a climate-friendly lifestyle without further restricting social participation. This article proposes the idea of an ecologically oriented minimum subsistence income that considers both social participation and ecological sustainability. Based on a critical review of existing methods for determining minimum income requirements, the established statistical model is refined and expanded by incorporating a deliberative component. Focus group workshops are proposed to enable participatory discussion and justification of the normative assumptions underpinning the level and ecological orientation of the needs assessment, with middle-income groups serving as a reference point. This allows for the socially legitimate determination of minimum needs. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 5/2025
Thomas Gerlinger
The Policy Field of Health in the Socio-Ecological Transformation
Abstract
The healthcare system and healthcare policy are closely linked to the global environmental crisis. Health services are significantly involved in the consumption of natural resources and the emission of greenhouse gases. Unhealthy lifestyles such as overeating and malnutrition, as well as lack of exercise and air pollution due to excessive use of motorised transport contribute to the spread of chronic diseases and exacerbate climate change. At the same time, health burdens from the environment and the health consequences of modern lifestyles lead to increased utilisation of health services. People of low socio-economic status are generally more affected by such environmental and behavioural risks. The reduction of social inequality, a healthier lifestyle, especially in the areas of nutrition and exercise, as well as measures to combat environmental degradation and climate change can generate mutual co-benefits for the environment and health. However, the particular interests of the stakeholders involved and a great need for coordination present major obstacles to implementation. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 5/2025
Lisa Dörfler, Jonas Pieper, Janina Yeung
Social Services in the Environmental Crisis. Occupational Climate Protection, Climate Adaptation and Ecological Social Work
Abstract
Social services and social work are influenced by ecological crises and, at the same time, play a central role in socio-ecological development. This article analyses this insight on three levels: First, it highlights that the provision of social services has various ecological impacts, ranging from the carbon footprint of welfare institutions to their influence on the environmental behavior of clients. These effects occur within a network of relationships that are shaped by social law. Second, the climate crisis increasingly affects welfare institutions in Germany. The focus here is on protecting employees and clients, who are often among the most vulnerable groups, as part of climate adaptation efforts. Third, social work as a profession and discipline is undergoing significant change. Ecological issues are increasingly integrated, both in direct support for clients and in addressing social-ecological inequalities at a structural level. Social work can act as a key socio-ecological player by contributing to change at both the individual and societal levels while addressing vulnerability through empowerment. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 5/2025
Raphael Greb, Mehran Seyed Hosseini
Old-Age Provision in the Context of Climate Change
Abstract
In this article we first examine the implications of recent research on the macroeconomic and labor market implications of climate change and climate action for the existing system of old-age provision in Germany. We focus mainly on risks to pension benefits and discuss measures which could alleviate such risks and point out their limitations. Taking a closer look at the consumption enabled by pension benefits and the specific needs of the elderly, we then point out the potential for reducing their environmental footprint by identifying consumption items most urgently in need of greening. To conclude we discuss the potentials and limits of some measures which could facilitate this greening process. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 5/2025
Ernest Aigner, Johanna Fischer, Anne Kraudi
Sufficient Long-Term Care: Institutional Approaches for Germany
Abstract
While social policy reforms of the care system are regularly discussed, increasing ecological challenges have so far played no role in the debates. In this article, we examine how the German long-term care system could be shaped in line with social-ecological challenges. We use the concept of sufficiency, which strives for a state of “enough”, i. e. the absence of both lack of care and its overuse. The sufficiency-theoretical perspective reveals that current economic, societal and care structures lead to both a lack of care and its overuse, as market-based principles and economic inequality promote both. Additionally, we explore challenges arising from socio-ecological crises and reforms. Building on these considerations, we propose seven tangible approaches for sufficiency-oriented reforms of the German care system, including new transformative benefits, full health coverage, joint living arrangements, and the introduction of maximum ceilings. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 5/2025
Katharina Bohnenberger
Climate-Healthy Work: Perspectives and Measures for Integrated Prevention Policy
Abstract
Recent developments in sustainable welfare research reveal an increasing differentiation across the various sectors of social policy. While promising approaches have already emerged within the field of occupational health and safety and occupational health management, both central components of social policy, the overarching concept of “climate health” has yet to be systematically operationalised in these areas through practical and design-oriented strategies. Addressing this gap, the article explores the potential of occupational health and safety and workplace health promotion to advance climate-healthy employment in Germany, focusing on three key areas for further development: (1) public health through climate-healthy working conditions, (2) mental health and climate-just work, and (3) structural insurance for climate-resilient working conditions. Through an analysis of these three developmental pathways, the article identifies existing gaps in policy and practice, and proposes targeted instruments to fully realise the potential for climate-healthy work. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 5/2025
Max Koch
Sustainable Welfare. The State of Development of a New Research Paradigm
Abstract
Sustainable Welfare is a field of research that deals with the significance and potential contribution of social policy in the wider context of a post-growth transformation. The greatest need for research currently exists on the question of how socio-ecological consumption and production corridors can be implemented democratically. more … (in German)
WSI-MITTEILUNGEN 5/2025
Pia Lange
The Inevitable Greening of Social Security Law
Abstract
The regulatory matters of social law are determined by the reality of life. Accordingly, social law will inevitably have to deal with the increase in the cost of living caused by CO2 pricing in the future, particularly in the area of basic benefits, but also beyond that. In the future, there could even be synergies between saving emissions, reducing expenditure and maintaining energy security. more … (in German)