Chunk #96 — Theory of Heightened Risk of Drinking and Problems among Low-Income African American Men — Access to Standard Life Reinforcers — African American men versus African American women
In addition, because African American women are more likely to care for dependents, they have more access to government assistance than do African American men. As limited as the government assistance is, it provides African American women a means to reinforcement that is not as readily available to African American men. Indeed, as reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African American women compared to African American men are more likely to utilize government resources, such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides assistance in obtaining SLRs such as employment, housing, child-care, and financial stability (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2009). Beginning in 1996, following welfare reform, government financial assistance became more time limited and contingent on seeking and obtaining employment (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2009). For instance, TANF requirements state that “failure to participate in work requirements can result in reduction or termination of family benefits.” Participation in work requirements involves demonstrable efforts to find and maintain employment. Sobriety surely facilitates efforts to maintain employment, both in
