Enoch Ewoo

Date of Award

Summer 6-29-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

This study investigated chronic welfare dependency in Springfield Illinois whether it is a willful act or welfare recipients are inured to it because of uncontrollable circumstances that restrain their efforts to exit the welfare program and how to reduce the burden of this dependency to acceptable levels. The theory of change and assumptions were that IF State of Illinois welfare providers educate prospective recipients on the implications of welfare dependency, invest/budget in more preventive programs, and establish partnerships with welfare-to-work nonprofit organizations, THEN the number of persons who depend on welfare in Springfield, Illinois will be reduced. Previous studies on this topic presented ambivalent views. Some studies concluded that welfare dependency is behavioral and that dependents find in welfare programs a comfortable place to ensconce themselves from hard work. Other studies also found out that welfare recipients are willing and fighting to exit welfare programs against the grain of socio-economic and political factors that stifle their efforts. To affirm, deny or establish a new paradigm of truth, concerning if welfare benefits stifle the resolve of recipients to be economically self-reliant, this research conducted a survey by convenience sampling among residents in Springfield Illinois to collect data. Interviews were also conducted with administrators of welfare to work programs. This study found out that dependents are willing to exit the welfare program if they are given the right training and support and if hostile socio-economic barriers are also reformed. The theory of change for the study was validated. To reduce the burden of welfare dependency, this study recommended that education on welfare must start with children and the unfavorable economic policies must also be reformed.

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