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Exploring a Pathway out of Poverty Using the Welfare System Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Exploring a Pathway Out of Poverty Using the Welfare System Cadarrall A. Eddings Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Cadarrall Eddings has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Gregory Campbell, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Victoria Landu-Adams, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Lydia Forsythe, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Exploring a Pathway Out of Poverty Using the Welfare System by Cadarrall Eddings MA, Liberty University, 2015 BS, University of West Alabama, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration – Global Leadership Walden University November 2020 Abstract Individuals dependent on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) encounter multiple contributors that impede economic empowerment and a pathway out of poverty that leads to self – sufficiency. Previous research has not been fully clarified as to why TANF has not been successful in moving recipients out of dependency and into lasting economic success. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to conduct a comparative analysis between two administrations, namely the Obama and Trump administrations, concerning welfare policies. The human capital theory provided the theoretical framework for the study. This study explored the lived experiences of TANF recipients related to cognitive preparedness and skill-based training as a pathway out of poverty leading to lasting economic success. A purposive, homogenous sampling method was utilized to select six TANF recipients to participate in this study. Only recipients during the Obama and Trump administrations were considered for participation in this study. A validated, semi structured interview questionnaire was utilized. An inductive, In Vivo coding technique indicated that there are barriers within the TANF program, and the program did not engage in the holistic development involving both skill-based and cognitive training to lead to self – sufficiency and lasting economic change. As a result of research findings, further critical research needs to be done specifically towards the TANF workfare program to assess its effective approach in provoking high – wage employment. Findings may be used to influence individuals receiving welfare assistance to provide a pathway out of poverty through economic empowerment, training, and new policies, leading to positive social change. Exploring a Pathway Out of Poverty Using the Welfare System by Cadarrall Eddings MA, Liberty University, 2015 BS, University of West Alabama, 2005 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration – Global Leadership Walden University November 2020 Dedication First, I want to dedicate this dissertation to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This has been a rigorous process and without Him, I would have given up. This achievement would not have been possible if it had been for His grace. Secondly, I would like to dedicate this lifetime achievement to my mother and father, Dwight and Renee Eddings. Since birth, they have always been there for me. I can honestly say that they raised me and my siblings the right way. Their support and guidance have steered me in the right direction. I am proud to say that what they have invested and instilled in me throughout the years has not been in vain. I dedicate this achievement to my daughters, Imani Grace Eddings and Abigail Joy Eddings. We did it! This successful achievement is evidence that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us. You can do anything that you put your mind to do; you can be anything that you desire to be. I pray that this success is a pattern for you to pursue and fulfill your goals and dreams. To my wife, Karla Eddings, this achievement is a result of your continuous support and sacrifice through my academic journey. You have been there for me to cheer me on the whole way and for that I thank you. Last but not least, to all the individuals who encouraged me throughout this process, it was not in vain. It was your encouragement that helped me through the tough times. Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to thank God for giving me the ability and grace to survive and successfully finish my dissertation. This would not have been possible without Him. I want to send a special shout out to my lovely daughters, Imani Grace Eddings and Abigail Joy Eddings as well as my beautiful wife, Karla Eddings for enduring the process with me. The sacrifices that you have endured for me to finish my dissertation are greatly appreciated. Special thanks to my brother, Edwond Eddings and my sister, Amber Eddings, for believing in me and loving me as your big brother. I would like to thank my mother, Renee Eddings, and my father, Dwight Eddings, for being amazing parents throughout my life and setting the example for me to follow. I would also like to thank my in – laws, Bobbie Robinson and Willie Robinson, for their continuous support throughout my dissertation journey. To my auntie, Dr. Karen Brown and uncles, Greg Brown and Crandall Brown, thank you for all of your advice, push, and support to get me through the tough times. I would also like to thank my grandmother, Lorreanner Brown, and the late, Hilmer Brown, for who you both have been to me. I love you dearly grandpa. To my friends, Dr. Donyea Hargrove, Lindsey Hargrove and their lovely family, to Apostle Brandon Cornelius and the Glory Revival Center family; thank you for your consistent friendship. To my leadership covering, Bishop RJ Matthews and Prophetess Cycelia Matthews, thank you for your motivation and prayers throughout the process. I really appreciate it! Last but not least, I would like to extend a special thanks to my dissertation committee, Dr. Gregory Campbell (chair), Dr. Victoria B. Landu-Adams (2nd committee), and Dr. Lydia Forsythe (URR) for walking me through the dissertation process and challenging me to be the best that I could be. We did it! Table of Contents List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………...v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study....................................................................................1 Background of the Study.........................................................................................3 Problem Statement...................................................................................................5 Purpose of the Study................................................................................................7 Research Questions..................................................................................................8 Theoretical Framework............................................................................................8 Nature of the Study..................................................................................................9 Definitions.............................................................................................................10 Assumptions...........................................................................................................11 Scope and Delimitations........................................................................................12 Limitations.............................................................................................................12 Significance of the Study.......................................................................................13 Summary................................................................................................................14 Chapter 2: Literature Review.............................................................................................17 Literature Search Strategy......................................................................................18 Theoretical Foundation..........................................................................................19 Human Capital Theory Conceptualization.................................................20 Marketable Human Capital........................................................................21 Historical Background of Welfare in America......................................................22 Public Assistance.......................................................................................23 i Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.........24 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)..................................25 Welfare to Work Policies...........................................................................28
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