‘It’s interesting, the second-generation Arabic-speaking group in the area; that’s a very interesting group to work with and not necessarily easy’, Janet offered in response to my question about whether there are some groups of service users that are more responsible than others. At first she referred vaguely to ‘certain cultural groups’ but, like most of the staff I had spoken to, was hesitant to elaborate.

Janet was one of the frontline staff I interviewed from the local community service sector. I asked Janet to explain her response and – as if given license – she continued at length:

She suggested that the low ‘participation rate’ of second-generation Arabic speakers in welfare services was down to this self-assurance, a mistaken perception that ‘they already know more’. Perhaps they don’t need the services because they already have extensive social networks, she speculated, but then ‘the results of the children’s achievement’ suggest otherwise.

Later, however, reflecting on the fairness of the welfare system, Janet suggested that second-generation Arabic speakers arrogantly expect rather than refuse support. She described being approached by a new migrant mother who was ineligible for a support programme. The woman had a young child and was unable to work due to an illness, but her husband worked. The woman complained that it was unfair that mothers who drive big, expensive, petrol-guzzling cars can access the programme when her family relies on one income for five people but was not eligible: