Welfare states in various countries face numerous challenges nowadays to provide adequate social protection to their respective populations, given the social dynamics that characterize post-industrial societies, from ageing populations, the emergence of "atypical" forms of work and changes in the "traditional" family structure (Castles et al, 2010, p. 13). Prospects of net job losses due to automation (Duarte et al, 2019, p. 19; World Economic Forum, 2023, p. 28) may creat yet another factor of preassure in Welfare-states, although they have a contingent character (Howard and Taylor, 2023, p. 364). Even so, net job loss and/or difficulties to re-enter the labour market are not outside of the realm of possibilities, which makes it necessary to reflect on possible reforms in the field of social protection. In this work, we discuss and compare three social policy propositions that may integrate the instruments avaliable to Welfare-states to address the social risks that may arise (and the ones not properly addressed with today´s intruments): Participation Income, Job Guarantee and categorical Basic Income. The dimensions used in this reflection are conditionality, resources needed, respect to the reciprocity principle, leximin opportunity and political feasibility. We hope with this article so stimulate mutual reflection and learning to inspire imaginaries that go beyond activation, means tested or Bismarckian logics.

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Welfare-state,automation,Social protection

• Sociologia - Ciências Sociais