Policing Welfare: Punitive Adversarialism in Public Assistance

Means-tested government assistance in the US requires recipients to meet criteria and maintain eligibility, with resources spent policing boundaries. Spencer Headworth's book Policing Welfare examines the structure of fraud control in the welfare system, showing how it stigmatizes those already living in poverty and deepens disparities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Means-tested government assistance in the United States requires recipients to meet certain criteria and continue to maintain their eligibility so that benefits are paid to the "truly needy." Welfare is regarded with such suspicion in this country that considerable resources are spent policing the boundaries of eligibility, which are delineated by an often confusing and baroque set of rules and regulations. Even minor infractions of the many rules can cause people to be dropped from these programs, and possibly face criminal prosecution. In this book, Spencer Headworth offers the first study of the structure of fraud control in the welfare system by examining the relations between different levels of governmental agencies, from federal to local, and their enforcement practices.

Policing Welfare shows how the enforcement regime of welfare has been constructed to further stigmatize those already living in poverty and deepens disparities of class, race, and gender in our society. Headworth's research reveals that the welfare system is designed to create a web of surveillance and control that disproportionately affects low-income individuals and communities of color. The book explores the ways in which government agencies use a range of tactics, such as audits, investigations, and sanctions, to prevent fraud and ensure that benefits are distributed appropriately. However, Headworth argues that these enforcement practices are often ineffective and discriminatory, leading to the marginalization and criminalization of those who are already struggling to survive.

One of the key findings of Policing Welfare is that the enforcement regime of welfare is deeply intertwined with broader social and economic structures of inequality. Headworth argues that the welfare system is not just a matter of providing assistance to those in need, but also a tool for managing and controlling the poor and marginalized. The book highlights the ways in which welfare policies and practices have contributed to the perpetuation of poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion. For example, Headworth notes that welfare programs often place strict limits on the types of benefits that can be received, which can limit the ability of low-income individuals to meet their basic needs. Additionally, welfare policies often require recipients to work or participate in job training programs, which can be difficult for those who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Another important aspect of Policing Welfare is the role that race and gender play in the enforcement regime of welfare. Headworth argues that the welfare system is often designed to target certain groups of individuals, such as women, people of color, and immigrants, and that these groups are disproportionately affected by the enforcement practices. For example, Headworth notes that women are more likely to be subjected to intrusive audits and investigations than men, and that people of color are more likely to be sanctioned for fraud than white individuals. Headworth also explores the ways in which these enforcement practices contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and discrimination against these groups.

In conclusion, Policing Welfare is a groundbreaking study that provides a critical analysis of the structure of fraud control in the welfare system. Headworth's research reveals that the enforcement regime of welfare is designed to stigmatize those already living in poverty and deepen disparities of class, race, and gender in our society. The book offers a powerful critique of the ways in which government agencies use surveillance and control to manage and control the poor and marginalized. Policing Welfare is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between welfare, inequality, and social justice.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226779362