"Why Americans Hate Welfare"

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how Martin Gilens tackles the myths, misconceptions, and other issues about welfare policy, public opinion, and the role of the media in perpetrating these myths. The paper examines how, in his book, "Why Americans Hate Welfare: Race, Media, and the Politics of Antipoverty", Gilens defends his position that the American public's views on welfare have been shaped by the media. The paper further examines how Gilens explores the development of society's mixed attitudes towards those on welfare, and makes a strong argument for the role of the media in shaping these attitudes. The writer concludes that Gilens' argument brings an awareness of a problem that needs to be addressed by policy-makers in the future.

Outline:
Introduction
Setting the Stage: Birth of the Ghetto
Supporting the Thesis
Research Methods
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"Gilens goes farther than to simply demonstrate how the media has helped to shape this attitude toward the poor. Gilens blames the media for causing these attitudes in the American public. Gilens begins his argument by defining the state of public opinion and public policy regarding the poor. He then launches into arguments about how these opinions affect the individual. Finally, Gilens presents evidence that the media has helped to promote a certain stereotypical attitude towards the poor. The argument is well organized and supports his thesis well. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gilens, M. (1999. Why Americans Hate Welfare: Race, Media, and the Politics of Antipoverty Policy. (SCMPO) Studies in Communication, Media, and Public Opinion. 1999: 303.
• Institute for Women's Policy Research (2003). Before & after welfare reform: The work and well being of low-income single parent families. Washington, DC: Institute for Women's Policy Research.
• Piven F., and Cloward R. (1971). Regulating the Poor: The Functions of Public Welfare. New York, Pantheon.

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