Sheila Katz Theory

Introduction: In 1996, the U.S national welfare system switched from the idea of welfare as an entitlement program, to welfare as a time limit- work based concept. Through the implementation of The Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), previous federal programs were replaced by block grants. This modern policy complicates the opportunity to gain a higher education and income for mothers on welfare. This study focuses on 64 mothers on welfare participating in CalWORKS. The program allows an adult on welfare up to 24 months of job-related education. Utilizing each mother’s “survival narratives,” and a longitudinal, qualitative approach, Sheila Katz emphasizes the discrepancy between the current policies of welfare and the value of education in American society. This research primarily focuses on how woman acquire individual and …show more content…
Collins argues that there is a private, hidden space of Black women’s consciousness called the ‘inside’ ideas. These ideas allow Black women to cope with, and transcend the confinements of race, class, and gender oppression. (Collins, 1990. Pp. 92-93) Katz connects this concept of ‘inside ideas’ to the concrete, practical strategies assisting woman on welfare. Examining mothers “survival narratives” allows Susan Katz to further analyze systems of oppression, as well as investigate how welfare policies impact each woman’s survival narratives.
Analyzing narratives proposes the opportunity to explore social life, and allows for the investigation of racial oppression, gender inequalities, and power that can be privileged by individual speakers. Through each woman’s “extensive offstage existence,” the mothers network with each other, leading to the development and sharing of survival strategies. Additionally, the mothers “develop a shared critique of power” that supports the paradox of welfare