Making the Outsiders-Welfare Connection: How the Otherization of Welfare Affects Public Opinion on Social Assistance in the US and UK

Abstract:     
This paper addresses the relationship between diversity and public support for welfare, with the question: is support for the welfare state in the US and UK dependent upon who the perceived recipients are? I specifically examine whether negative attitudes towards out-groups (minorities) coupled with the belief that these groups disproportionately and undeservedly receive welfare benefits leads to a decrease in public support for welfare. This is done through the use of ANES and ESS survey data. I further argue that this is a message that citizens are receiving from the media and entrepreneurial politicians. This finding is reinforced by previously conducted content analysis of newspapers and tabloids. I refer to this coupling of welfare with out-groups, or Others, as the Otherization of Welfare. This paper examines not only race, but ethnicity, religion, and citizenship status as well.

Keywords: welfare, race, ethnicity, United States, United Kingdom

working papers series