Flat Broke with Children

Abstract

This chapter explores the cultural norms, beliefs, and values embedded in welfare reform. While millions of dollars have been spent to track the outcomes of this legislation, and while scholars, politicians, and pundits have fiercely debated the effects of every policy contained within it, and the author focuses on the broad cultural significance of this reform effort. Sheila's combined time on welfare, including the time when her child was born, between jobs, and since her mother's illness, added up to about three and a half years, including the last year and a half since welfare reform. This is what she had to say when the author asks her for her overall assessment of reform: At this point in her argument, Denise had hit upon nearly all the concerns of hardworking Americans who conscientiously pay their taxes, raise their children, and struggle to make it all work. The chapter considers the "other resources" available to the women.

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