From Welfare to Work: The Endorsement of the Money Ethic and the Work Ethic among Welfare Recipients,Welfare Recipients in Training Programs,and Employed Past Welfare Recipients

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study of demographic and work-related variables (the Money Ethic Factors — Good and Evil, Achievement/Respect/Power, and Budget; and the Protestant Work Ethic, self-esteem, and locus of control) among three groups of individuals that represent the three from-welfare-to-work steps: Group 1, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) welfare recipients; Group 2, AFDC welfare recipients in various training programs; and Group 3, employed past welfare recipients. Results showed that employed past welfare recipients (Group 3) tended to have higher education levels, more income, more months off AFDC, longer job tenure, fewer children, and fewer fathers missing from the household than welfare recipients (Group 1) and welfare recipients in training programs (Group 2). Group 3 had the highest scores on Factors of the Money Ethic (Good, Respect, Power, Budget), the Protestant Work Ethic, and self-esteem and had the lowest score on Factor Evil. Group 1 had the lowest scores on Factors Good, Respect, Power, Budget, and internal locus of control. Group 2 had the highest internal locus of control. Results are discussed in light of barriers of the from-welfare-to-work program.