TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2009//
TI  - A Bottom-up Definition of Self-sufficiency
JO  - Qualitative social work
A1  - Hong, Philip Young P.
A1  - Sheriff, Vamadu A.
A1  - Naeger, Sandra R.
SP  - 357
EP  - 376
VL  - 8
IS  - 3
N2  - 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 /> 
LA  - 
SN  - 1473-3250
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1473325009337844
ID  - ref1
ER  -