Welfare: Views from the Bottom

Using data from a random sample of 149 Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients in Chicago, this paper explores what recipients think about their experiences with welfare programs and how these beliefs are affected by their sense of efficacy, length of time on public assistance, social status, and personal characteristics. Respondents who have been on AFDC for shorter periods have more optimistic views of their circumstances and are more confident about their ability to become self-supporting. A substantial proportion of recipients have serious concerns about the negative consequences of receiving AFDC for their personal lives, but believe they have no other viable alternative sources of support. These findings have important implications for policy makers concerned about problems of long-term dependence on public assistance.