The Principle of Less Eligibility: A Systematic Review

• In Event: Crime, Science and Politics WG Panel 2. Criminal Policy Evolution: not always forward

Abstract

The principle of less eligibility posits that assistance should be made less attractive than work, and that punishment should render crime less appealing than either work or welfare. This implies that the living standards of the lowest class of workers determine the upper limit of social and penal policy (Bonnet, 2019). This study provides a systematic review focusing on the dual interpretations of the 'less eligibility' principle within social policy and the political economy of punishment. Leveraging IRaMuTeQ for text analysis and Gephi for citation network analysis, the study delves into the multifaceted concept of 'less eligibility,' distinguishing between its origins in the 19th-century Poor Law Amendment Act and its reconceptualization by Georg Rusche in his seminal articles on the political economy of punishment. Using IRaMuTeQ, an in-depth textual analysis was conducted to uncover themes, discourses, and the evolution of 'less eligibility' across these distinct yet interconnected domains. Simultaneously, Gephi enabled the mapping and analysis of citation networks, identifying influential works and authors that have shaped the discourse on 'less eligibility.' The findings illuminate the principle's enduring significance and complexity, underlining its impact on both welfare policies and penal practices."

Author

• François Bonnet, CNRS, PACTE, Université Grenoble Alpes