Welfare Myths

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer looks at the welfare debate from a social constructionist perspective. The writer notes that constructionists examine the processes whereby a condition is constructed as a social problem. Constructionist methodology includes examining the claims surrounding a social problem, who makes those claims, and who stands to benefit from them. It also examines the context from which a social problem emerges, and the role of the media in shaping the public perception of the problem. The writer notes that this approach allows a social problem to be seen from within the context of the social and political arena of which it is a part. The writer discusses that in terms of the welfare debate, this means examining who the proponents of welfare cuts are, how they benefit, and how they alter the public attitude towards welfare. The writer maintains that in order to fully understand the dominant discourse on welfare, it is necessary to understand the cultural and political context from which it emerged.

From the Paper:

"Recipients of welfare are constantly blamed for their position. If a person is poor, they are lazy; if they are out of work, they aren't taking responsibility. If they are on welfare, they are working the system, and if they ask for help, they are demanding that the public pay for their mistakes. And if they suggest that perhaps the economy of this country has structural problems, they are blaming the system for their own inadequacies.
"These opinions are commonplace: they are repeated in editorials, radio talk shows, and political speeches. In this era of budget cutting, politicians especially benefit from this rhetoric. They can reduce social welfare programs and be praised for forcing welfare moms to work while doing nothing to alleviate real economic injustices. In the meantime, real budget drains like corporate welfare and huge defense budgets are ignored by the public."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abramovitz, Mimi. "Challenging the Myths of Welfare Reform from a Woman's Perspective." Social Justice: Women and Welfare Reform. Vol. 21, No. 1, 1994, pp. 18-19, 21.
• Parenti, Michael. Inventing Reality. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1986. pp. 35-40.
• Sklar, Holly. Chaos or Community? Boston: South End Press, 1995. pp. 95-96.
• Zucchino, David. Myth of the Welfare Queen. New York: Scribner, 1997. p. 64.

More papers on Welfare Myths:

• Analytical Essay # 21799 : "Welfare Reform"
• Book Review # 93335 : "Why Americans Hate Welfare"
• Research Paper # 39414 : "The Unwed Mother and Welfare"

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