Question

Explain the concept of “de-commodification” in the context of welfare states

Answer 1

The de- commodification means now labour should not be assumed to be like commodity which is bought and sold in the market. Labour commodification occurs in the free and capitalist society where the labour is sold in the market to earn the money.

Wlefare state is trying to de commodify the labour. The wefare benefits to workers are making them less dependent on the market for eanring the income. But these benefits are limited . Thus complete commodification is not happening right away. Goverment needs to increase its welfare further to decommodify the labour .