SAGE Journal Articles
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Article 1: Hildebrandt, E. & Kelber, S.T. (2012). TANF Over Time: The Tale of Three Studies. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 13(3), pp. 130-141.
The authors compare the experiences of women from three studies who were in different stages of participation in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Information gathered adds to the evidence base on which the TANF policy is based, and is available for advocacy attempts that aim to modify the policy to increase the success of the women who participate in it.
Questions to Consider:
1. What are the three categories of individuals who leave TANF?
2. What was the impact of health problems on the participants in the studies?
3. How did participants in the terminated group compare with participants who continued to be eligible?
Article 2: Vanderkooy, P. & Nawyn, S.J. (2011). Identifying the Battle Lines: Local-National Tensions in Organizing for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. American Behavioral Scientist, 55(9), pp. 1267-1286.
This article describes efforts to increase the civic engagement of individual immigrants, to build the capacity of immigrant organizations in civic engagement, and to build local-to national relationships. The authors compare two levels of engagement: local community organizing and national collaborations.
Questions to Consider:
1. Describe the relationships that local immigrant organizations developed with national advocacy organizations and coalitions.
2. How does the statewide coalition of immigrant organizations described in this article prioritize its efforts?
3. How did this coalition advocate at the national and local levels? How did these efforts differ?
Article 3: Jacobson, R.D. (2011). The Politics of Belonging: Interest Group Identity and Agenda Setting on Immigration. American Politics Research, 39(6), pp. 993-1018.
This article explores how interest groups select policy positions, and the shifting stances on the issue of immigration for three groups. Changes in what the group stands for, who the group represents, and who belongs can impact these decisions, along with changes in the political terrain.
Questions to Consider:
1. Why did the author select immigration as an issue to explore shifting agendas of national interest groups? How could this information be useful in advocacy?
2. How do interest groups establish agendas and make decisions to support policies?
3. What impacted the shift in position on the issue of immigration for the three groups profiled in this article?