According to Piven and Cloward, the social control function of public assistance programs is to
A) offer employment skills to the poor.
B) defuse social unrest in times of mass unemployment.
C) alert the unemployed to alternative means of employment.
D) establish social change.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Piven and Cloward argue that one of the functions of public assistance programs is to defuse social unrest that can arise during times of mass unemployment by providing a way to support oneself and family. Public assistance programs, therefore, serve as a form of social control that helps maintain order and stability in society.

According to Piven and Cloward, the Social Control Function of Public