Title

Women, Abuse, and the Welfare Bureaucracy

Publication Date

2-1-2006

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Using critical and feminist theoretical frameworks, this report of a qualitative study describes women‰Ûªs perspectives of the welfare bureaucracy. An analysis of interviews with 38 women revealed emotional and economic abuse both in the welfare system and their personal lives. Interactions with frontline workers who implement the rules and regulations of welfare reform disempower recipients and mimic the conditions of abuse that these women have already experienced. Genograms provide a context for the women‰Ûªs personal histories. Recommendations include removing sanctions as a form of economic abuse, screening every applicant for interpersonal violence, and referring women to mental health services if necessary.

Publication Title

Affilia

Volume

21

Issue

1

First Page

84

Last Page

96

DOI

10.1177/0886109905283135

Publisher Policy

pre-print, post-print

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