Title

ÒWelfare_to_workÓ;: An Analysis of the Communication Competencies Taught in a Job Training Program Serving an Urban Poverty Area

Publication Date

1-1-2001

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Politicians and state_level welfare administrators touting new Òwelfare_to_workÓ; programs apparently believe that the acquisition of communication skills is an antidote to welfare dependence. Regrettably, communication scholars have largely excluded themselves from discussions about the content, form, and ethical implications of the training provided in these programs. This essay reports partial results of a year_long study of a job training program serving mostly indigent clients. The communication competencies taught explicitly and implicitly in the curriculum and the unmet communication needs of clients were the focus of investigation. The study found that of the twenty K_12 communication standards distributed by the National Communication Association (1998), 18 were incorporated in the curriculum. Fundamental elements of the communication process (e.g., feedback), listening skills, and interview competencies were most emphasized. Media literacy skills were least emphasized. Interviews with clients revealed a number of unmet communication needs. These included (1) development of post_employment social support skills and networks, (2) conflict management training, (3) on_the_job communication competencies, and (4) development of realistic employment expectations. Communication educators are urged to contribute to the development of job training curricula and invited to critique the ideological assumptions embedded in them.

Publication Title

Communication Education

Volume

50

Issue

1

First Page

15

Last Page

33

DOI

10.1080/03634520109379229

Publisher Policy

pre print, post print (with 18 month embargo)

This document is currently not available here.

Find in your library

Share

COinS