Discourse as a category of analysis in *policy studies: The case of welfare reform

Kirsten Marie Lindquist, Purdue University

Abstract

In 1996 Congress passed and President Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Opportunity Work Reconciliation Act (PROWRA), eliminating the 60-year old entitlement program Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), otherwise known as welfare. The enactment of PROWRA was the crowning glory of the Republican Revolution led by then House Speaker Newt Gingrich and it represents a milestone in both political and policy history. While several elements converged in the policy making process that led to conservatives' success, this research project focuses on the role that discourse plays in policy making with an emphasis upon the values-based discourse that was employed (or not) by advocates and opponents of the conservative backed plan.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Carroll, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Political science|Public administration|Welfare

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