Shame and Public Dependency: A Literature Review

Abstract

Current & historical data & research point out that income maintenance welfare, & other charitable programs are actually underutilized by many people who are eligible for the funds. This is due to feelings of stigmatization being connected with receiving unearned monies. Research also points out that people who do receive the funds experience feelings of stigmatization. Many social theorists have explored the alternatives of better means of dispersing funding to the eligible parties with anonymity for the needy & a reduced sense of stigma. The most salient theories include extreme alteration of the present delivery system, or abolition of the current system. Reasonable alternatives include a negative income tax automatically entitling people to certain funds. Financing according to progressive income tax is logical. Local anonymity could also be carried out in this way. Confronting society with its attachments could be another helpful strategy through visible organization of the stigmatized individuals. A. Rothman.