SNAP Judgments: Explaining Variation in Public Attitudes Toward Welfare Programs
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2013
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Haverford College. Department of Political Science
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Thesis
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Award
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eng
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Haverford users only
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Abstract
This thesis seeks to understand why some social welfare programs are more popular than others. The research question I answer is: To what extent does a welfare program’s design, specifically its target population and delivery mechanism, influence public support for a program? While there is a range of literature analyzing levels of support for the welfare state and the wide array of programs within it, less research exists that studies explanations for these attitudes. Such research is critical in order for policymakers to create politically viable programs that enjoy strong public support. To answer my research question, I use a comparative case study of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Using both existing research and my original survey data, I find that the public is highly supportive of programs that benefit children. We see highest levels of support for meals programs that benefit the target population of children. Lower levels of support were observed for both meal programs as well as coupon programs benefiting the target population of adults. This illustrates the significance of target population in shaping public attitudes toward welfare programs. The research also indicated a possible disparity between public perception and actual program characteristics. Therefore, it would be useful for future public opinion scholars, as well as policymakers, to consider how the framing of programs can influence public attitudes. Understanding the relationship between these factors can help policymakers create politically viable programs that address the most pressing needs of low‐income citizens.