Social justice and welfare reform: A shift in policy

Abstract

Summary For six decades welfare entitlements were designated for the aid of poor children and since 1950, their caretaker. The current TANF program, however, represents a fundamental shift from child‐focused aid programs to caretaker‐focused work obligations. What are the economic and social consequences of a time‐limited governmental reordering of responsibility for vulnerable children? More importantly, what impacts will caretaker‐centered requirements and untested time limits have on the life chances of disadvantaged children? This article assesses from a social justice perspective previous income maintenance welfare initiatives, reviews their intended and actual outcomes, and explores the expected growing economic and social isolation of welfare recipients with current TANF policies. Following this assessment, future government initiatives as well social justice‐type strategies to address the economic and social isolation of welfare recipients are recommended.