Journal of Social Equity and Public Administration

A Systematic Literature Review of Welfare Sanctions and Racial Equity

Stephanie Walsh

Rutgers University

Jessica Roman

Rutgers University

Amanda Parker

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Andrea Hetling

Rutgers University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jsepa.v1i2.4788

Keywords: TANF, Welfare, Sanctions, Street-Level Organizations, Social Policy, Equity

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Abstract

In the United States, welfare sanctions are designed to enforce compliance with program rules and are the most tangible and, in some cases, detrimental enforcement mechanism for recipients of public cash assistance. Whether or not they are equitably administered is critical to our understanding of the program and of safety net enforcement mechanisms across the sector. Using electronic databases of peer-reviewed articles across disciplines, this systematic literature review resulted in a deeper understanding of the research conducted related to racial inequities and welfare sanctions. The 29 studies included in this analysis highlight different rates and effects of sanctions for recipients depending on race and ethnicity. Findings are synthesized and recommendations for future research are presented.

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Author Biographies

Stephanie Walsh, Rutgers University

Stephanie Walsh, PhD (she/her) (Stephanie.Walsh@ejb.rutgers.edu) is a researcher at the Heldrich Center at Rutgers University. Her research focuses on improving programs, including cash assistance and workforce development initiatives, to better support the economic stability and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Jessica Roman, Rutgers University

Jessica Roman, MPP (she/her) (jroman@eagleton.rutgers.edu) graduated with her Master of Public Policy degree from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and now works for the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from The College of New Jersey.

Amanda Parker, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Amanda Parker, MPP (she/her) (abparke2@gmail.com) received her Master of Public Policy degree at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and is now working for the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in global studies and sustainability from the University of Illinois.

Andrea Hetling, Rutgers University

Andrea Hetling, PhD (she/her) (ahetling@rutgers.edu) is a professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. Her research focuses on how public programs and policies can support economic well-being and financial stability among vulnerable populations, including families living in poverty and survivors of intimate partner violence.

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