Administrative Burden in Citizen–State Interactions: A Systematic Literature Review

Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 34(2), P. 180 - 195

Published: Oct. 3, 2023

Abstract Based on a systematic review of 119 articles and working papers, we provide an overview how administrative burdens in citizen–state interactions have been studied since the inception research agenda 2012. We develop new comprehensive model key concepts framework are related, assess evidence causal relationships proposed by model, discuss where more is needed. Empirical supports conventional claims that consequential, distributive, constructed. However, literature has moved further (1) demonstrating factors such as frontline service delivery government communication influence experiences burdens; (2) highlighting beyond ideology constructions (3) introducing burden tolerance concept; (4) illustrating policymakers’ members publics’ tolerance. review, propose for future research. call studies linking to outcomes democratic behavior take-up, connecting actual state actions. Moreover, argue should use qualitative methods explore nature from perspective citizens, rely experimental establish links between actions burden, compare across contexts. Further, empirical examine tradeoffs legitimacy actors outside interaction may burden.

Language: Английский

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“That's where the hunt for the correction begins”: Experiences of administrative errors as sites of administrative burden

International Journal of Social Welfare, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(4), P. 806 - 818

Published: Jan. 2, 2024

Abstract To err is human, and as such, administrative errors are an inevitable component of current future welfare state bureaucracy. Hitherto, while studies on burden have shown us that routine interactions with bureaucracy often burdensome, very little known about the nature these when something goes wrong. Most social policy public administration scholarship focus ex‐ante analysis errors, only scant research devoted to ex‐post how claimants experience such once they occur, types costs may incur. This article contributes growing field by examining claimants' experiences errors. Analysis 19 interviews Israeli benefit recipients uncovered two themes. The first related process correcting including identifying communicating them system. second theme addressed consequences errors: one hand, economic emotional loss trust in system, other, acquiring bureaucratic skills. These findings highlight a critical unique site learning burden, well need for human contact allow better deal their consequences.

Language: Английский

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Medium and Message by Mail: A Field Experiment to Promote Low‐Income Assistance Programs

Public Administration Review, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 24, 2025

ABSTRACT Limited awareness impedes take‐up in low‐income utility assistance programs, which often suffer from low uptake. This study uses a field experiment to evaluate direct mail as means of reducing learning burdens and thereby increasing participation financial programs offered by large American sewer utility. Employing conjoint design, we sent customers mailings that varied medium (postcard vs. letter), frequency, color, sender (government nonprofit), message framing (percentage discount dollar savings), language (English English‐Spanish). Compared the control group receiving no mail, significantly increased program inquiries. Notably, postcards were effective letters, sending even one mailing yielded substantial response increase; additional provided minimal benefit. Sender had significant effect. Surprisingly, bilingual resulted slightly lower rates. Our findings suggest mailings, particularly postcards, can help improve income‐qualified public programs.

Language: Английский

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“I Used to Get WIC . . . But Then I Stopped”: How WIC Participants Perceive the Value and Burdens of Maintaining Benefits

RSF The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 9(5), P. 32 - 55

Published: Aug. 3, 2023

This study examines how individuals assess administrative burdens and these views change over time within the context of Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, Children (WIC), which provides food to pregnant breastfeeding women children under age five. Using interview data from Baby's First Years: Mothers' Voices (n = 80), we demonstrate circumstances family life, shifting needs preferences, receipt other resources shape mothers perceive costs benefits program participation. We find that mothers' perceptions WIC's vary contribute participation trajectories, so many eligible people do not participate; need alone does drive decisions.

Language: Английский

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Advancing a Framework of Racialized Administrative Burdens in Higher Education Policy

The Journal of Higher Education, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 95(6), P. 718 - 746

Published: Sept. 6, 2023

ABSTRACTMany policies in higher education are intended to improve college access and degree completion, yet often those fall short of their aims by making it difficult for prospective or current students benefits which they eligible. Barriers that inhibit policy benefits, such as cumbersome paperwork, can weigh more heavily on members marginalized communities, including racially minoritized students. Such administrative burdens thus reinforce patterns inequity. In this paper, we present a conceptual framework examining embedded negatively affect students, especially who minoritized. With the use our proposed addressing racialized burdens, researchers understanding ethnoracial disparities education, inform policymakers' design equitable enable practitioners implement promote racial equity.KEYWORDS: Educational policycollege studentspolicy designpolicy implementationracial equityadministrative burdensracialized organizations AcknowledgmentsWe thank William T. Grant Foundation supporting work through Scholars Award (Grant ID #201035). This research was also supported Project P2CHD042849 awarded Population Research Center at The University Texas Austin Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Child Health Human Development. content is solely responsibility authors.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict interest reported author(s).Notes1. We ethnoraciality refer interactions ethnic structures shape lived experiences social groups. stands contrast narrow understandings relations unrelated each other. Moreover, requires greater awareness group's self-identification along with ways its may distinguish themselves from other groups within processes racialization (Warren, Citation2020).2. term acknowledge minoritization process shaped power, where ethnoracialized communities actively others rather than naturally existing minority (Benitez, Citation2010). referencing reject essentialist views sharing an underlying, inherent, similar nature immutable (Medin & Ortony, Citation1989).3. Within these categories, there large variation unable explore paper.4. While outcomes include diverse effects across various domains social, economic, cultural spheres, paper focuses impacts student outcomes.5. known "formal design," distinguished "informal implementation burden literature (Baekgaard Tankink, Citation2022, p. 17).6. Through locally schools, tribal governments seek directly serve Indigenous youth. Tribal organizations, like Congress American Indians (Citation2015), aim strengthen control preserve revitalize Native languages, provide tribes member records, encourage state partnerships.7. draw Freire's (Citation2000) notion conscientização subject's oppression, motivate praxis agency. context study, agent's critical consciousness entails historically oppressive positioned within.Additional informationFundingThe [P2CHD042849]; [Grant #201035].

Language: Английский

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A Review of Interventions to Increase WIC Enrollment and Participation

Journal of Community Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 47(6), P. 990 - 1000

Published: Aug. 13, 2022

Language: Английский

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Program Design to Ease Administrative Burden in Times of Crisis: An Evaluation of Two Emergency Aid Programs in Los Angeles

Social Policy and Administration, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 29, 2025

ABSTRACT With students increasingly struggling to afford basic needs, emergency aid (EA) programs seek prevent crises from derailing college students' educational trajectories. To do so, they provide small grants help overcome short‐term financial hardships and improve longer‐term academic success. However, EA often face trade‐offs between streamlining application processes targeting limited resources the highest‐need students. Drawing on theoretical framing of administrative burden, we analyse nuances these by investigating learning, psychological, compliance costs that can when applying for EA. Using data two drawn 85 interviews, 893 applications, 153 survey responses, find were able ease burdens, especially costs. Further, vast majority went high‐need students, although nearly 20% recipients had family incomes above $100,000 K.

Language: Английский

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How effective are behavioral interventions to increase the take‐up of social benefits? A systematic review of field experiments

Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract Non‐take‐up of social benefits is a significant policy issue caused by factors such as lack awareness, compliance costs, and stigma. While public information campaigns, default options, in‐person assistance are increasingly used, their effectiveness remains poorly understood. This study provides systematic review field experiments evaluating nudges simple behavioral interventions on program take‐up. We analyzed 93 from 35 studies published over nearly 20 years, predominantly focusing major U.S. programs. compared characteristics, including sample intervention types, assessed quality. Due to high heterogeneity, we did not conduct meta‐analysis but used forest plots thematic summaries instead. Most reported positive impact take‐up, application. Two types were notable for application take‐up: 1) providing framing information; 2) assistance. discuss the limitations this review, cost safety implications experiments. conclude that further research needed simpler outside U.S., well psychological costs. Additionally, improving quality transparency essential.

Language: Английский

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Balancing the Dual Policy Goals of the Social Safety Net: A Guide for State Policymakers

State and Local Government Review, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 3, 2025

This paper presents the “Social Safety Net Analytical Framework for Policymakers” (SSNAFP)—a nonpartisan analytical framework evaluating social safety net policy changes. also provides an example of how can be used. SSNAFP aims to help policymakers balance two key goals: promoting economic growth and supporting economically vulnerable populations. explains what specific factors consider related each goal a set research questions tackle. Using SSNAFP, I provide bipartisan commission state effects increasing SNAP gross income eligibility threshold from 130% 200% Federal Poverty Level. Overall, this empower with structured approach analyzing changes policies. By focusing on shared objectives rather than political divides, foster informed, discussions.

Language: Английский

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“I Think That’s the Most Beneficial Change That WIC Has Made in a Really Long Time”: Perceptions and Awareness of an Increase in the WIC Cash Value Benefit

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 19(14), P. 8671 - 8671

Published: July 16, 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Cash Value Benefit (CVB) fruits vegetables increased by roughly USD 25/month/person. We sought to understand WIC participant perceptions of this change barriers facilitators using CVB. conducted 10 virtual focus groups (5 rural, 5 urban/suburban) with participants (

Language: Английский

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