TANF and Black Fatherhood: A Critical Historical Policy Analysis of Family Responsibility

Abstract Objective To examine how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) policy defines family responsibility and shapes Black father involvement. Background TANF’s emphasis on employment, marriage, and financial provision reflects historical regulation of Black families and may overlook fathers’ relational contributions. Methods A qualitative critical historical policy analysis informed by Critical Race Theory, strengths-based perspective, and Africana-centered scholarship examined TANF’s design and implementation alongside existing empirical evidence. Results The analysis identified tensions between family-stability objectives and restrictive eligibility, sanctions, administrative discretion, and child-support enforcement. Existing evidence documents racial disparities in access and administration, while policy definitions inadequately recognize multidimensional father involvement. Conclusion TANF can reinforce racialized constructions of responsibility and constrain conditions supporting Black father involvement. Recommendations: Reforms should strengthen benefit adequacy, equitable administration, child-support pass-through policies, realistic support orders, and culturally responsive services recognizing caregiving and co-parenting.