Recipients’ Perceptions of Welfare to Work: A Qualitative Study

Laura Bronstein
School of Education and Human Development
Binghamton University
Binghamton NY 13902
607-777-2351
FAX: 607-777-6041
lbronst@binghamton.edu
 
Debra McPhee
Barry University
School of Social Work
11300 NE Second Avenue
Miami Shores FL 33161
305-899-3196
dmcphee@mail.barry.edu
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the impact of welfare reform (TANF) on recipients’ perceived abilities to care for themselves and their families; and to assess the impact of a community initiative, Families-in-Touch (FIT), designed to help recipients transition from welfare to work.
 
Methods: The sample was a convenience sample of 46 recipients, all single mothers of color, in Dade County, FL. Prior to participation in the yearlong FIT program, participants completed 1-2 hour individual interviews and three standardized instruments to assess social support, self-esteem, and empowerment. Following FIT, participants took part in focus groups. Transcription analysis was conducted using McCracken’s (1988) “long interview” qualitative method.
 
Results: Emergent themes include: women’s humiliation when interfacing with TANF caseworkers, an expressed sense of political savvy, yet a sense of separateness whereby “other” welfare recipients were identified as lazy and dishonest. This finding parallels prior studies regarding recipients’ perceptions (Briar, 1966, etc.). Post-FIT themes include participants’ increased sense of solidarity and emotional support. Yet in the absence of concrete resources necessary to support stable employment, it is indicated that participation in community groups like FIT may have unintended negative effects on recipients’ sense of self.
 
Implications for Practice: The results raise concern that initiatives focused on increasing psychological empowerment without simultaneously offering concrete resources can be detrimental to recipients’ ability to act in their own best interest. Supported is the need for increased development and provision of concrete resources including transportation, childcare and health insurance. Findings suggest social workers may need to reevaluate current practice models utilized with poor women.
 
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