Racial Resentment And Administrative Burden Tolerance: The Case Of Expanded SNAP Work Requirements.

Abstract

Administrative burdens-onerous experiences with policy implementation-can deter access to crucial safety-net programs. New research finds that racial resentment boosts support for one form of administrative burden: work requirements. I discuss these findings and how expanded work requirements under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 may affect members of racial and ethnic minority groups. I argue that the racial implications may depend on how states and counties apply for hardship exemptions, use time-limit waivers, and implement work requirements as they adjust to the winding down of the COVID-19 public health emergency measures. As demonstrated in other policy domains, racial and ethnic minority populations may be disproportionately harmed by expanded work requirements, especially if they reside in conservative, high-poverty, rural communities.