The Psychological Impact of Being on Welfare

One hundred black single mothers on AFDC were interviewed regarding their explanations for and responses to being on welfare. Most believed they were on welfare for temporary, uncontrollable reasons. Those who believed more strongly in the dominant ideology of equal opportunity gave individualistic explanations, blaming themselves for their welfare status and experiencing lower self-esteem. In addition, those of higher subjective social class believed themselves responsible for being on welfare, but did not feel stigmatized. Believing oneself to be personally responsible for being on welfare was associated with being less assertive about one's rights as a welfare client.