2021/07/03 by Elizabeth Bell, Kylie Smith · 8 citations
Social Sciences · #Electoral Systems and Political Participation #Local Government Finance and Decentralization #Public Policy and Administration Research
paper · doi:10.1177/00953997211027535
openalex publication_date 2021/07/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
Utilizing a statewide survey and administrative data, we explore how state-imposed burdens are translated by street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) into frontline practices that may alleviate or exacerbate onerous experiences of the administrative state. First, we find that SLBs’ role perceptions shaped not only uses of discretionary power—as either a force of client empowerment or disentitlement—but also program access. Second, we find that the local agencies with the largest proportions of income-eligible clients often had the least capacity for alleviating administrative burden, suggesting decentralization may be a mechanism by which administrative burden perpetuates structural inequality.