Kahn's Concept of Social Provision The purpose of this research is to e

The purpose of this research is to evaluate Alfred Kahn's concept of "social provision" as it relates to whether allocation of provision should be based on universalist or selectivist strategies. To this end, the paper first presents Kahn's formulations of provision/allocation concepts. This formulation is then followed by a review of evaluative articles and research related to Kahn's notions.

Alfred Kahn's Concepts of Social Provision and Allocation

In order to fully understand, Kahn's (1973) notions of social provisions and allocation, it is necessary to first have a firm understanding of the term "social provision." According to Gilbert and Specht (1986), social provisions (benefits provided by governmental agencies to agencies' clients) can be conceptualized as falling into the following six categories:

(1) Opportunities - Benefits in the form of opportunities consist of circumstances structured (either through incentives or sanctions) to achieve ends considered desirable by the social welfare system; e.g. the provision of extra points on a civil service examine to minority groups.

(2) Services - This category of benefits refers to the performance of certain functions on behalf of clients; e.g. the provisions of counseling, referral and vocational training.

(3) Goods - Benefits falling into this category consist of concrete commodities; e.g., food, housing, clothing, and so forth.

(4) Credits - This benefit consists of credits or vouchers used by clients to pro

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sion allocation to that of the selectivist notion? In the next section of this paper, this evidence is delineated and evaluated. Research/Theory on Service Provision/Allocation Universalism vs. selectivity in social services provision as delineated by Alfred Kahn, has been discussed by Neugeboren (1985). He begins by pointing out that the impetus toward the universal framework of service provision was based on relatively successful adoption of the model in England. However, he notes that in America, there have been numerous difficulties associated with universal programs of service delivery. As to the nature of these difficulties, Neugeboren (1985) states that programs based on this framework required a level of centralization that was and is generally antipathetical to the American character. He also notes that: Another possible factor, which has not been recognized, is that basic conflicts in goals among human service programs in the country may preclude cooperation. In England, the primary emphasis. . .has been on social care, in contrast with the psychological and social emphasis present in the United States. It may, therefore, be the case that the difficulties in establishing universal human service programs in the

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