US states' racial bias correlates with less SNAP participation by “undeserving poor” adults and lower unemployment benefit maximums

Abstract

The present study assessed whether Whites' anti-African American bias correlates with states placing greater emphasis on work incentives in two government assistance programs. The study regressed the representation of "able-bodied adults without dependents" in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP, also known as food stamps) and maximum unemployment benefits on White residents' implicit and explicit bias, while controlling for key economic and sociopolitical covariates. Findings indicate that states with greater bias had proportionally fewer SNAP-designated "Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents" and states with greater implicit and explicit bias had lower unemployment benefit maximums. Due to Whites' anti-African American bias, persons of all races and ethnicities who otherwise might benefit from public assistance are exposed to food insecurity and lesser financial support when unemployed.