Stigma and Social Support on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - by Laura Blount Carper (Paperback)

About the Book

This book explores the experiences of stigmatization from individuals who are currently, or have been, enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Positive social support is discussed to improve and cope with the feelings of stigma.

Book Synopsis

This book explores the experiences of stigmatization from individuals who are currently, or have been, enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Positive social support is discussed to improve and cope with the feelings of stigma.

Review Quotes

Dr. Carper details an informative account of the competing roles of social support and stigma for people utilizing government assistance programs, which demonstrates the important practical role of support in peoplersquo;s lives. The content of the book is bolstered by both a breadth of theories from sociology and communication studies and a multitude of methodological vantage points, and it is informed by the authorrsquo;s personal experiences. The participantsrsquo; narratives are moving and entail implications for how people can, and likely should, support one another at interpersonal, social, and cultural levels.

In the United States, being poor is stigmatized. Even more highly stigmatized is taking advantage of programs that were designed to help reduce the consequences of living in poverty. Dr. Carperrsquo;s research will be beneficial to service providers and policy makers as they consider how best to encourage those who qualify for such assistance to take advantage of these programs.

About the Author

Laura Blount Carper is instructor at Louisiana Tech University.