Neoliberalism and human services: threat and innovation

Area of Science:

• Socioeconomics
• Disability Studies
• Public Policy

Background:

• Neoliberal welfare policies advocate for market-based human services.
• Effective market approaches require comprehensive information on client needs and service provision.
• This information is notably absent in the field of intellectual disability (ID) services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the market-based approach to disability services.
• To examine the presupposition that service providers understand client needs within the ID sector.
• To explore the implications of marketing theory for disability service delivery.

Main Methods:

• Reflective analysis of the core assumptions of market-oriented disability services.
• Utilizing marketing theory to conduct a thought experiment on service provider knowledge.
• Examining the applicability of market principles to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Main Results:

• Market-based approaches are limited by the atypical needs and financial status of people with ID.
• The capacity of individuals with ID to act as consumers is restricted.
• Eligibility criteria for welfare programs further limit the validity of a market model.

Conclusions:

• While market principles can stimulate innovation in human services, they are not the sole effective mechanism for service distribution.
• Neoliberal optimism regarding market-based solutions for disability services is overstated.
• A nuanced approach is needed, acknowledging both potential benefits and inherent limitations.