Stigma as a Communication Barrier for Participation in the Federal Government's Women, Infants, and Children Program

This study investigated the role of stigma as a barrier to participation in the federal Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program, Despite the relative success of the WIC program, participation among many qualified individuals is still low. The problem is particularly acute among middle-income women who qualify for the program. Using a series of five focus groups, conducted among eligible participants in five different cities in Alabama, data was collected and analyzed in terms of stigma management theory. The results indicate that the stigma of a governmental assistance program is a major barrier to participation in the program. Potential participants sometimes handle this stigma through direct rejection of participation or through indirect rationalizations for not participating.