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Buildings and welfare

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  • Mats Ekman

Abstract

If welfare stigma depends upon social attitudes, only the neediest apply for welfare when they can more easily be seen to do so. Using GoogleMaps' ‘StreetView' feature, this article finds that the approval rate of applications for social assistance is higher in welfare offices with building characteristics that enhance the visibility of entry. A fitting explanation for this finding is that persons looking for social assistance dislike being thought of as ‘welfare cases', and apply more conservatively when others can see it. The effects decline in the rate of poverty, suggesting that the self-reliance norm weakens as poverty increases.

Suggested Citation

  • Mats Ekman, 2022. "Buildings and welfare," Rationality and Society, , vol. 34(4), pages 526-547, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:34:y:2022:i:4:p:526-547
    DOI: 10.1177/10434631221129056
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