U.S. welfare policy coerces low-income women into low-wage jobs by imposing punitive sanctions for not working, despite the lack of supporting evidence that sanctions are effective. This qualitative study explored whether sanctions compel compliance, whether there are unintended consequences of sanctions, and what causes noncompliance. The findings indicate that noncompliance is not always chosen but results from insurmountable barriers. Furthermore, sanctions may create a communication “disconnect” between clients and the welfare agency, rendering the clients further entrenched in poverty and dependence. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
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