Stigma as a Communication Barrier for Participation in the Federal Government's Women, Infants, and Children Program

Abstract

This study investigated the role of stigma as a barrier to participation in the federal Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program, Despite the relative success of the WIC program, participation among many qualified individuals is still low. The problem is particularly acute among middle-income women who qualify for the program. Using a series of five focus groups, conducted among eligible participants in five different cities in Alabama, data was collected and analyzed in terms of stigma management theory. The results indicate that the stigma of a governmental assistance program is a major barrier to participation in the program. Potential participants sometimes handle this stigma through direct rejection of participation or through indirect rationalizations for not participating.

Keywords::

• Children
• Health
• Infants
• Public Health
• Women

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Larry Powell

Larry Powell (PhD, University of Florida, 1975) is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Heritage Hall Building Room 302, 1401 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294. E-mail: [email protected]

Jonathan Amsbary

Jonathan Amsbary (PhD, Indiana University, 1986) is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, 1401 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294. E-mail: [email protected]

Haichang Xin

Haichang Xin (PhD, University of Florida, 2010) is a Research Associate in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294. E-mail: [email protected]