Effects of assets on attitudes and behaviors: Advance test of a social policy proposal

GN Yadama, M Sherraden - Social Work Research, 1996 - academic.oup.com
Social Work Research, 1996academic.oup.com
Raising asset limits and creating individual development accounts have been proposed in
welfare reform. In part, the rationale for these proposals is that assets have positive effects
on attitudes and behaviors, including long-term planning, greater work effort, and improved
social connectedness. The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), conducted between
1968 and 1972, included a wide range of attitude and behavior measures. In this study, data
from the PSID are analyzed to test for the effect of assets on attitudes and behaviors, the …
Abstract
Raising asset limits and creating individual development accounts have been proposed in welfare reform. In part, the rationale for these proposals is that assets have positive effects on attitudes and behaviors, including long-term planning, greater work effort, and improved social connectedness. The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), conducted between 1968 and 1972, included a wide range of attitude and behavior measures. In this study, data from the PSID are analyzed to test for the effect of assets on attitudes and behaviors, the effect of attitudes and behaviors on assets, the effect of income on attitudes and behaviors, and the effect of attitudes and behaviors on income. A path-analytic model is estimated using LISREL. Results indicate modest effects of some assets that are consistently positive, as predicted, and overall as strong as the effects of income. Results support the proposition that assets have a positive effect on expectations and confidence about the future; influence people to make specific plans with regard to work and family; induce more prudent and protective personal behaviors; and lead to more social connectedness with relatives, neighbors, and organizations.
Oxford University Press