@article{ref1,
title="A Bottom-up Definition of Self-sufficiency",
journal="Qualitative social work",
year="2009",
author="Hong, Philip Young P. and Sheriff, Vamadu A. and Naeger, Sandra R.",
volume="8",
number="3",
pages="357-376",
abstract="Self-sufficiency (SS) is the epitome of America's 'reluctant' welfare state. It is generally accepted in social welfare policy circles as a concept related to independence and financial stability. Nevertheless, SS is not a term agreed upon in practice by policymakers, researchers, or service providers and is frequently used without a clear common definition. In this sense, the purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which the top-down definition of 'economic' SS as the social policy goal is consistent with how the clients of job training programs perceive the term. Using a grounded theory approach, a bottom-up definition of SS was derived from a focus group of low-income jobseekers. The focus group was transcribed for a content analysis from which a client-centered definition of SS was drawn. Findings suggest that SS is a process of developing psychological strength properties and a goal-oriented progression toward realistic financial outcomes. Implications for evidence-based community interventions for client empowerment and workforce development are suggested.<p />",
language="",
issn="1473-3250",
doi="10.1177/1473325009337844",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1473325009337844"
}