Lived Experiences of Welfare Dependency, Systemic Entrapment, and the Fight for Dignity in U.S. Low-Income Policy

Abstract

This paper is poised to look into the welfare dependency situation and policy issues for low-income programming in America. The specific objectives include establishing the lived experiences and perceptions of individuals currently enrolled in welfare or low-income programs regarding their participation in these programs; establishing how socioeconomic, structural, and systemic factors contribute to welfare dependency and entrapment among individuals receiving welfare assistance; establishing the primary barriers and obstacles faced by individuals in transitioning away from welfare assistance towards self-sufficiency and independence: and propose the strategies and reforms to address welfare entrapment and promote economic empowerment within their communities. The Intersectionality theory is applied in this study with interviews of welfare assistance beneficiaries. The results indicate that welfare dependency has persisted due to a collection of factors relating to individual attitudes and choices, program deficiencies, and policy factors. More so to the generic nature of policies and program requirements rather than individual-focused needs assessment. To improve the situation, need policy review, program re-orientation to focus on addressing the personal needs of each individual beneficiary based on needs assessments