I read a post the other day on an Islamic forum saying ‘sister you don’t need to work, you can live off benefits’ and it really surprised me.. I mean if everyone had this attitude where would we be? The person in question wasn’t sure if it was ‘appropriate’ for her to work being a woman (which I have no problem with, each to their own)..
Do you think she was right (to an extent at least) in that if benefits are available ppl have every right to take advantage of them if they’re not desperate or should they only be used as a last resort?
Re: Benefits/welfare, should they ONLY be used as last resort?
aren't benefits there for the needy though? She doesn't seem needy to me, her religious views seem to be getting in the way of her survival. I would say if she has the opportunities to make money for herself without too much hardship (or even with hardship, cuz bro, that's life) but decides to take benefits then she's leeching off of those who:
a) work hard for that money
b)are actually in desperate need of it and can't find job opps
Re: Benefits/welfare, should they ONLY be used as last resort?
This is a side note but the idea of public welfare (for women and kids especially) was actually pushed by Evangelicals in the US so their women wouldn't have a reason to step out of the house for work. Clearly, very conservative thinking.
And no it is not right. In Islam we have to earn through hard work and actually give back to our communities.
Re: Benefits/welfare, should they ONLY be used as last resort?
^That's interesting.
It's one thing if she's in a desperate situation...or has some limitations (like a disability) or perhaps doesn't earn enough to afford a major expense and is eligible for financial aid. But not putting forth ANY effort when she is capable is wrong. Benefits are available to people, but they come with restrictions (in terms of who qualifies) so that undue advantage isn't taken.......though it still happens.
Re: Benefits/welfare, should they ONLY be used as last resort?
YES YES YES.
I see too many women who use their situation as an excuse to stay where they are and not try to learn english/find a job/etc. I dont say that you shouldnt have access to it, if it is needed then go for it, but you shouldnt get too comfortable having benefits and then expect to sit there for the next 10 years without working or contributing to society. I see it ALL THE TIMES in my job, some people are astounded at the fact that they have to pay £5.50 towards their water bill or something, and they have all the latest conveniences.
Benefits should be given where needed, but as an incentive to encourage them to work or make at least a bit of money.
Re: Benefits/welfare, should they ONLY be used as last resort?
When my parents moved to the UK there was no way you could live the lifestyle you could today on benefits. Today however you see people driving around in nice cars, nice house etc who have never worked a day in their lives. I don't mind paying for those who have genuinely fallen on hard times, but I begrudge paying people to sit around watching zee television all day and have no intention of ever working.