Theorizing About Poverty and Paternalism in Suburban America: The Case of Welfare Sanctions. Issue 2 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butz, Adam M.
• Is Part Of: Poverty & public policy. Volume 8:Issue 2(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 140
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: suburban poverty -- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families -- welfare reform -- welfare paternalism -- welfare implementation; Poverty -- Periodicals; Poverty -- Government policy -- Periodicals; 353.5332
• DOI: 10.1002/pop4.136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1944-2858

Abstract

Abstract : Shifting metropolitan poverty dynamics over the past decade have resulted in a more sprawling material hardship, with the suburban poor now outnumbering central‐city counterparts. The rise of suburban poverty is well documented, but the implications for welfare policy administration and client program outcomes remain understudied. This article offers a theoretical treatment of the spatial dimensions of sanction for noncompliance with program rules under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. For a variety of reasons associated with unique spatial barriers, ideological resistance, and underdeveloped social service networks, the theoretical framework predicts that suburban welfare clients, especially minority clients, are more likely to experience punitive sanction outcomes than central‐city counterparts.