In all of the families surveyed, researchers discovered that many families / friends will form social support networks. This is when the different family members will live together in the same household and pool their different resources together. The problem arises, in that the various family / social members will have to constantly renegotiate living arrangements. This is problematic, because such volatile living conditions can mean that recipients are not focused on improving their standard of living. Instead, they become caught up in petty disputes because of this constant renegotiation. The dilemma arises where there are no alternatives for people who are on this program as they are forced to between social support groups or the program itself. Where, the program can provide assistance to individuals such as: moral support. However, if economic conditions change, they face the possibility of budget cuts. While the social support groups, provide constant renegotiation between members. As a result, many recipients who are receiving various forms of public assistance are caught between two different forms of support, none of which can provide them with what they need to improve their lives. (Dominguez, 2003)
Another ethical issue that is faced by respondents and the program is: embracing the destructive support groups / relationships of the past. One of the biggest problems that researchers identified is: that many people that can help improve their standards of living. The problem is that many individuals will continue to engage in the same patterns of destructive behavior as before. For example, some single mothers who were in abusive relationships in the...
This is despite the fact that many wanted out of these relationships and had the ability to change their lives, yet they continued to stay in these relationships. This is problematic because it underscores how the views of the social group can influence the behavior of the individual. Where, they know they should stop such behavior, yet are reluctant, for out of fear of change or the inability to let go of the past. This brings up the ethical issue, as to what is the most appropriate amount of support? Where, you want to help those who need it the most, but at the same time each individual has to help themselves first. (Dominguez, 2003)
Clearly, the article Society for the Study of Social Problems has identified two ethical issues faced by welfare recipients and the program itself. These would include: the constant renegotiation of the living arrangements and the ability of respondents to cling to old social support networks. This is significant because it helps to identify what issues could be hindering the economic mobility of those who are in this program. As a result, this useful in identifying some of the underlying weakness that still exists, despite the fact that various reforms have taken place. It is through examining the different ethical issues presented; that provides the greatest insights as to what challenges are faced going forward.
Bibliography
Dominguez, S. (2003). Society for the Study of Social. Social Problems. 50 (1), (111- 135).
Froomkin, D. (1998, July 23). Welfare's Changing Face. Retrieved May 10, 2010 from Washington Post…
