Women Risk Falling into Undeclared Work Amid German Reform Plans, Sociologist Warns

German sociologist Jutta Allmendinger believes the federal government's planned reforms in pensions, care, health, and taxes hold significant potential for women. However, she cautions that the benefits are not yet guaranteed and depend heavily on the specific implementation of these changes.

Allmendinger, who has researched women's needs for decades, characterizes the proposed reforms as a "fundamental shift in the social state." She draws a historical parallel, suggesting these changes could be the most significant since the introduction of social insurance in West Germany under Bismarck.

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What is happening now is a fundamental shift in the social state. I would even say it is the biggest since the introduction of social insurance under Bismarck, at least in West Germany.

Despite the potential for positive change, Allmendinger expresses concern that women might be pushed into undeclared work if the reforms are not carefully designed. This warning highlights a potential unintended consequence that could undermine the intended benefits for women within the social welfare system.

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Women threaten to slip into undeclared work.