Labeling effects for the poor: the role of labels on dehumanization of the poor and opposition to welfare policies

Numerous terms are frequently used to refer to poor people (i.e. “needy,” “impoverished”). Despite ostensibly used to refer to the same social category, little research has investigated how different labels impact perceptions of the poor. Three studies investigated how different labels for poor people differentially predicted dehumanization of the poor and, in turn, opposition to welfare. Study 1 identified (from 20) labels that participants indicated similar familiarity and referred to the same social category but differed in valence. Studies 2 and 3 had participants indicate their dehumanizing perceptions of poor people varying in label and indicate their support for welfare programs. Results indicated that “Broke” people were dehumanized more than “In Need” people despite referring to the same social category. In turn, greater dehumanization predicted less support for welfare policies designed to benefit the poor. Discussion surrounds the importance of understanding the language surrounding discussions of the poor and welfare.