Law in action in employment agency’s

The influence of personal biographies and individual perceptions of work in the case management in the labour market integration of young people

Abstract

Many benefits of SGB II and SGB III are discretionary benefits. Although there are discretionary guidelines through the objectives of the Social Codes (Sozialgesetzbücher) and directives of the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit), there is still a certain amount of leeway for the professionals to make decisions. In addition, contradictions can arise in concrete case processing due to the various objectives of the Social Codes. This is especially true for casework with young people under 25, for whom the Codes provide additional special regulations. In these decision-making spaces about granting or not granting benefits, the personal orientations of the professionals can have an influence. This article examines how professionals' own biographical experiences with work influence their casework with young clients and lead to specific strategies for action. It shows that the interpretation of the legal framework is closely connected to the professionals' professional self-image, which is significantly influenced by their own biographical experiences with work. This can lead to different legal realities on the part of the young clients, depending on which professional they meet.