Date of Award
4-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Patrick Donnay
Abstract
We have all heard the arguments on the pros and cons of welfare reform, its effect on recipient’s lives, and its effectiveness in achieving its goals. In concluding whether or not it is effective in achieving its goals, the actual goals are broad and difficult to define. I consider the goal being reducing the number of citizens living in poverty. My research focuses specifically on how variations in the welfare system perform in reducing poverty rates across the United States. I investigate what governmental policies each state has in place and their effect on poverty. Those states, in which poverty rates have been reduced, may have welfare policies that could serve as a model for other states to follow. I use data from the Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I anticipate that states which allow a longer duration of welfare assistance to recipients and encourage more enrichment with work in combination with education will be more successful in transitioning recipients out of poverty.
Recommended Citation
Welle, Luke N., "Welfare Reform Policies and Their Effect on Poverty Rates Across the United States" (2011). Political Science Theses and Capstones. 86.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/capstone-polisci/86
Included in
American Politics Commons, Economic Policy Commons, Income Distribution Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Political Economy Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Public Administration Commons, Public Affairs Commons, Public Economics Commons, Public Policy Commons, Social Welfare Commons, Urban Studies Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons, Work, Economy and Organizations Commons
