Does Administrative Burden Influence Public Support for Government Programs? Evidence from a Survey Experiment

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Keiser, Lael R.; Miller, Susan M.
• 署名单位: University of Missouri System; University of Missouri Columbia; University of South Carolina System; University of South Carolina Columbia
• 刊物名称: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-3352
• DOI: 10.1111/puar.13133
• 发表日期: 2020
• 页码: 137-150
• 关键词: policy feedback; social-welfare; opinion; state; Deservingness; stereotypes; POLITICS; IMPACT; attitudes; RACE

摘要

Research indicates that administrative burden influences the behaviors and views of clients and potential clients of government programs. However, administrative burden may also shape mass attitudes toward government programs. Taking a behavioral public administration approach, the authors consider whether and how exposure to information about administrative burden embedded within eligibility-based programs influences citizen favorability toward those programs. It is hypothesized that if information about the existing screening mechanisms is highlighted and made salient, this will lead to greater approval of eligibility-based programs, This expectation is evaluated using a survey experiment that explores administrative burden in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The evidence shows that being exposed to information about administrative burden increases favorabiliry toward TANF and its recipients, though these effects are conditional on party identification. The results provide insight into a potential consequence of administrative burden, showing the way in which information regarding burden can shape citizens' support for eligibility-based programs.