Faculty of Arts and Education
Welfare without the Welfare: The Intersection of People and Unemployment Policy
Principal Supervisor - Dr Donna Bridges
Co-Supervisor - Dr Wilson Dobud
My research examines how long-term unemployed welfare recipients deal with and move through the unemployment welfare system in Australia. It focuses on Blacktown and Mt Druitt (Western Sydney) because of their higher unemployment rates and socio-economic disadvantage, as well as being the community I grew up in. The study looks at how people interact with Centrelink, job providers, and programs including Work for the Dole and Income Management.
The research draws on neoliberalism and paternalism to explore how unemployment policies are designed and how their intentions translate into people’s daily lives. It takes a ground-up approach, keeping the perspectives of welfare recipients central, particularly where they are rarely included in policy discussions. Using a narrative and human-centred methodology, I will conduct semi-structured interviews and apply thematic analysis to better understand participants’ stories.
The project aims to develop findings that reflect lived experience more accurately and inform approaches to unemployment policy and service delivery. It focuses on understanding the barriers faced by socio-economically disadvantaged communities and building knowledge that helps address systemic disadvantage within unemployment policy.
I chose to undertake my Doctorate at Charles Sturt University because of its strong focus on applied research that addresses real-world issues, particularly socio-economic disadvantage.
As a CSU alumnus, having completed my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Graduate Certificate here, I have built a deep connection with the university and benefited from consistent academic support throughout my studies. My research, which explores the challenges faced by individuals in disadvantaged communities, is shaped by both my professional practice and my lived experience growing up within a cycle of socio-economic disadvantage.
I have a strong interest in understanding systemic disadvantage and developing effective intervention strategies. CSU’s practical research focus and commitment to reducing social inequality align closely with my values and research aims, making it the right environment to further my academic development and contribute to work that addresses systemic disadvantage.
