Progressive for all? The experience of LGBTQ+ people in the Scottish social security system

Abstract

Since devolution in 1999 the Scottish government has worked to advance a more progressive (compared to the UK government) policy agenda across a wide range of policy areas. This included reforms to the social security system which sought to remove some of the stigmatising and punitive aspects of the UK system. In parallel to these developments, the Scottish government internationally portrayed itself as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights. Drawing on qualitative data from among the first qualitative studies to centre LGBTQ+ social security claimants across England, Wales and Scotland, this article explores the implications of reforms for LGBTQ+ claimants, examining evidence as to whether these progressive ideals have been met. Focusing on interactions with the bureaucracy (the process of applying for social security) and interactions with the bureaucrats (the face-to-face and online management of claims), we explore how changes to Scotland’s social security system may have reduced anxiety and stigma and provided an improved experience. Further, we also show how the Scottish social security system has integrated greater recognition and respect into its social security system, which contrasts with the stigmatising, and increasingly anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric of the UK government and polity.