Limitations and Further Research

We faced several limitations while conducting our research. First, the respondent sample size for our study was a very small population. Had we reached a larger audience with our survey, we could have had more conclusive results in regards to having more equal representation of both male and female respondents. Within the small sample size, there was a disproportionate representation of male versus female respondents with 76% being female and only 23% being male (1% did not specify).  Additionally, when we asked our respondents if they knew anyone on welfare, knowing whether that person was male or female would have been supplemental to our research. When we asked questions regarding feminist ideals, we combined support for equal job and educational opportunity for males and females. There might have been a difference in answers if these categories were asked separately. Moreover, the survey did not provide the respondent with a clear definition of WIC. To get more accurate results, we should have explicitly clarified what the welfare programs were and whom they specifically benefitted. Finally, adding excerpts pertaining to WIC and food stamps would have provided more information relating to exactly how gender impacts the respondent’s support for welfare. Essentially, there is a need for further research within the field of welfare and gender. While our results cannot be applied to other welfare programs, there is an opportunity for research to be conducted to examine the impact of gendered attitudes on support for welfare programs such as unemployment, Social Security, and disability.