Date of Conferral

4-6-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

William Benet

Abstract

Puerto Ricans account for over 20% of Hispanics in New Jersey. It is estimated that 27.8% live below the poverty line. The poverty rate amongst this community is higher than the state average. Prior to this study, no known study examined what advocates for improving socioeconomic conditions amongst Puerto Ricans in New Jersey believed were the barriers to and/or facilitators of reducing poverty. The purpose of the generic qualitative study was to identify and analyze the perceptions of expert advocates regarding the current barriers to and/or facilitators of reducing poverty amongst Puerto Ricans in New Jersey using interpretivism through the lens of Benet’s polarities of democracy theory. Purposeful and snowball sampling was used to select seven research participants. Results produced four themes: barriers to educational resources limit both short and long-term opportunities, healthcare access and one’s overall health is impacted by social inequities, community and family alleviate impacts of poverty at the micro level, and discrimination serves as a systemic barrier toward mitigating poverty and oppression. Key findings from participants included the need for educational policy reform due to district zoning limitations and government accountability with respect to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are properly enforced. Additionally, healthcare accessibility reform was also highlighted as a major concern amongst advocates. The implications for social change based on the findings from this study include educational policy reform with school choice, allowing parent choice in lieu of community zoning and a reformed healthcare system that expands mental health access regardless of one’s socioeconomic status.

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