Working Paper: NBER ID: w8983
Authors: Rebecca M. Blank
Abstract: This paper reviews the economics literature on welfare reform over the 1990s. A brief summary of the policy changes over this period is followed by a discussion of the methodological techniques utilized to analyze the effects of these changes on outcomes. The paper then critically reviews the econometric and experimental literature on caseload changes, labor force changes, poverty and income changes, and family formation changes. A growing body of evidence suggests that the recent policy changes have influenced economic behavior and well-being in a variety of ways. One particular set of 'new-style' welfare programs seems to show especially promising results, with significantly increased work and earnings and reduced poverty.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: I; I38
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| TANF block grants (H53) | increased employment (J68) |
| increased employment (J68) | reduced poverty levels (I32) |
| TANF block grants (H53) | increased income (E25) |
| increased work incentives (J68) | influenced family formation dynamics (J12) |
| influenced family formation dynamics (J12) | nonmarital birth rates (J12) |
| influenced family formation dynamics (J12) | marriage rates (J12) |