Welfare Stigma among Low-Income, African American Single Mothers

• Published in: Family relations Vol. 45; no. 4; pp. 368 - 374
• Main Author: Jarrett, Robin L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Minneapolis National Council on Family Relations 01-10-1996
• Subjects: African Americans; Black people; Child care; Child Welfare Services; Children; Federal Programs; Focus groups; Low Income Groups; Marginalized Families; Mothers; Poverty; Public assistance programs; Research Methodology; Single mothers; Single parents; Social stigma; Sociology; Stigma; Stigmatization; Symbolic Interactionism; Welfare; Welfare Recipients; Working women
• ISSN: 0197-6664; 1741-3729; 0197-6664
• DOI: 10.2307/585165

This article conceptualizes the stigmatization process that is associated with the use of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) programs. A symbolic interactionist perspective that delineates the dynamics of stigma is used to frame the experiences of impoverished African American women who participate in such programs. Findings from a series of qualitative focus group interviews are used to assess current discussions of stigma and to inform efforts to reduce stigma.