Welfare Sanctions, Work, and Material Hardship

Member: Kristen S. Slack
(University of Wisconsin - Madison)
View more resources by Kristen S. Slack
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In the United States, we are once again debating policy proposals to restrict access to social safety net programs.  This article explores the effectiveness of sanctions as a policy lever during the welfare reforms of the mid-1990s, specifically, whether sanctions work as intended to increase compliance with welfare program rules.  The article also explores whether sanctions increase the risk of material hardships for economically disadvantaged families.  Use in conjunction with the Slack, Lee and Berger (2007) article on "Welfare Sanctions and Child Protective Services (CPS) Involvement" to discuss whether sanctions are an effective policy tool for increasing compliance with welfare program rules. 

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Free to use with citation
Last Revised Date 
Sat, 12/12/2020 - 08:55
Keywords / Tags 
welfare
TANF
sanctions
work
material hardship
Type of resource 
Published Article or Book Chapter
Resource Institution 
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Institution Type 
4 or 4+ year College/University
Recommended Citation 

Lee, B.J., Slack, K.S. and Lewis, D.A. (2004). Are Welfare Sanctions Working as Intended? Employment, Continued Welfare Receipt, and Material Hardship among TANF Recipient Families. Social Service Review,78(3), 370-403. DOI: 10.1086/421918