Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine college students’ perceptions of poverty and views about social welfare programs such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The research study utilized a mixed-methods exploratory design to generate quantitative and qualitative data. From a sample of 58 college students, the researcher evaluated demographics such as race, gender, social class, voter registration political party, as well as perceptions of poverty and attitudes toward social welfare programs. The results found similarities with previous research in that the perceptions and attitudes are variable and the respondents are divided in their attributions to and beliefs about poverty. Additionally, findings show a mild correlation (r=.266, p=.05) between political ideology, perceptions of poverty and views of social welfare. Most significant was the outcome that 50% of conservative students attributed poverty to individual behaviors versus societal factors.