Abstract This paper examines the enduring causes of poverty among singlemothers in the United States. It discusses many of the social factors; including social stigma, paid work and parental time constraints, the cost of daycare and the perceived need for children to have a paternal input. It also details the governmental attempts to alleviate some of the problems and the differences in the problems faced by ethnic minority singlemothers. The paper contains a lot of statistics and is well researched.
From the paper:
"They make the covers of news magazines and get to appear on the local news. We hear about them endlessly from public officials and during daytime talk shows. IN fact, if you were not careful you might begin to think that all of the problems in society today are caused by them.
"Singlemothers.
But why should this group be so generally vilified" Why should so much blame for so many social ills be placed upon them? The answer is twofold. The first is that they violate conventional social ideals about what a family should be, which (even in our postmodern) age is still deeply imbued with ideas about the importance of a patriarchal figure. And, on a more pragmatic level, they require society to help them, for singlemothers ? along with their children ? are in general amongst the poorest of Americans.?
Abstract This paper analyzes K. Harris' article "Work and Welfare among SingleMothers in Poverty," which examines the relationship between work and welfare for poor, female-headed families. The paper looks at the work that singlemothers on welfare eventually do, if any, and discusses how Harris traces the ways that singlemothers work their way off of welfare. The paper presents the results of Harris' research.
From the Paper "In fact, Harris (1993) found significant labor market activity among her subjects. Two-thirds of all welfare exits occurred because of a work situation, challenging the assumption that these women do not work at the same time as they receive welfare. From a personal perspective, this is a refreshing point-of-view. No matter the cultural conception or the cited statistics, welfare recipients are simply not living in the proverbial lap of luxury. No state, as of the mid-1990s providing so much in the way of welfare benefits that would provide an income even close to the poverty level (Pollitt, 1996). Just for an individual to reach the poverty level would require finding work in addition to welfare benefits. I can empathize with this situation, coming from a family in which working full time did not necessarily mean that one could meet every bill, every time."
Abstract This paper is on the topic of welfare, minorities and singlemothers. The paper answers the question: Has the number of families and children receiving welfare increased or decreased in the last 5 years?
Abstract According to Jo Goodwin Parker in her 1971 article, there is shame in being poor, and poverty is to be viewed with anger and not pity. This paper examines whether Parker's definition of poverty still has relevance today. The paper researches the plight of singlemothers in America today and explains the major economic and social problems that are faced by them. Further, this work discusses the assistance available today that would have improved Parker's life in the seventies.
Paper Outline:
Statement of Thesis
Introduction
Overview of Poverty Statistics
1996 Welfare Reform
Social Issues of Poverty for SingleMothers Summary and Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "The 1996 welfare reform "eliminated the federal guarantee of a basic income support for all families and replaced it with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)" TANF is a state-run program that combines requirements for work and sanctions for behavior that is nonconforming. There are 24-month limitations and a five-year maximum on receiving welfare under this program. Reportedly, only about one-half of the women forced to exit welfare assistance actually find employment."
Abstract The first major argument about single moms on TV was made by then-Vice President Dan Quayle who complained in a speech about the morality of "Murphy Brown" having a baby out of wedlock and raising it without a father. This paper shows that times have definitely changed since then, with more and more singlemothers being portrayed in the American media as the norm. The paper mentions celebrities such as Reba McEntire and Shar Jackson and examines the public's perception of these women.
From the Paper "Famous country music star, Reba McEntire, also stars in a self-titled sitcom as a single mom, divorced, raising three children, a son-in-law and a granddaughter. Obviously, with her audience appeal to a mostly conservative "country" audience, the acceptance of a single mom- even as a comedy series- takes on more meaning. Single moms, in other words, are no longer anathema, or struggling frustrated widows, sacrificing all for their families. They are real-life, next-door neighbors and are therefore accepted as "belonging" to mainstream America., Quite a change from just a generation or two ago, when the norm for a "family" was "Ozzie and Harriet and "Leave it to Beaver", or the mix-n-match family of "The Brady Bunch.""
Abstract This paper will research the issue of single-mother families from both internal and external perspectives. Research into the internal dynamics of these social units will be situated in context with the function and deficits of such units within society as a while. The research claim to be investigated is that single-mother families are - in economic terms - harmful to both parent and children. In terms of quality of home environment in single-mother households, it will be seen that it is impossible to make general statements in this regard given the large number of variables that may be seen to affect the outcome.
Abstract This paper defines and examines poverty in contemporary American society, particularly among singlemothers. It discusses why singlemothers often find themselves below the poverty line and examines the effects of this situation on them and their children. The paper then looks at structural changes in the American economy and the types of jobs that have been created by these changes.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
SingleMothers and Poverty
Structural Changes in the American Economy
Conclusion
From the Paper "Although it is clear that state benefits and menial work provides enough money to cover the most basic needs, single mothers and their children cannot live a productive and healthy life. As many studies have pointed out, women tend to identify themselves through their children, and often deprive themselves in order to give a better life to their children. Living in impoverished conditions, every aspect of their lives is affected by their situation. Not only having an extremely detrimental effect on their health, an important factor of poverty is the terrible social marginalization and isolation that many single mothers face. Social policy that does not attempt to diminish poverty and social exclusion significantly contributes to the mental, emotional, and physical ill health of mothers who are trying to raise their families on welfare."
Abstract This paper will examine an article that deals specifically with single-mother, as opposed to single-parent families. The focus will be narrowed from a discussion of the negative influences of the institution of the single-parent family in terms of society in general, to an analysis of the negative impact single-mother families have upon children.
Abstract This study examines the situation confronting African-American singlemothers in efforts to move from welfare to work. The hypothesis tested in this study holds that variations in educational skills, health status and access to child-care affect the employment outlook for African-American singlemothers and, therefore, the probability that they will be able to successfully move from welfare to work. The relationships between variations in educational skills, health status and access to child-care for African-American singlemothers are discussed in this chapter in both conceptual and operational contexts. Additionally, the interactive effects of the independent variables on the dependent variable also are discussed.
From the Paper "Health risks, as an independent variable, are operationalized as ?high,? ?average,? and ?low,? as indicated in Figure 3. The classifications of health risks for an African American single mother reflect a combination of the effects of personal health problems, the health problems of the dependent children of an African American single mother, and the health problems of other members of the household of an African American single mother for whose welfare the African American single mother is to some extent responsible."
Tags: dependence, government, education, children, young, childcare, employment, job, training
Abstract This paper reflects an analysis of the literature or peer reviewed articles that approach the subject of the low paid singlemother. The issues that pertain to this such as the demographic, the effects on household including gender roles and children's identity are also analyzed in a sociological mindset. The problems extant in the system of welfare and the welfare to work programs are also examined as they pertain to the subject of the low paid working mother. Other sociological issues such as minor points in economics reviewed across the country and research inclusive of healthcare are given due consideration in the research presented in this paper.
Outline:
Abstract
Presentation of the Problem
Description of the Method
Results/Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
Personal Research Journal
Methodological Commentary
From the Paper " In conclusion it may be stated that the low paid working mother does not have, according to the presented research, a detrimental prescience towards lower cognition in their children. In fact the aspect of a dependable job heightens structure within the dynamic of the home. It must also be pointed out however that low paid mothers also have to face less support from the government because a wage earning mother is not applicable for assistance like a welfare mother. It seems that the working mother, in her role as mother and employee has a lot to maintain and little aid in maintenance."
Abstract This paper is a research paper designed to be a policy recommendation that addresses specific problems with current TANF welfare programs. The author discusses Congressional overhaul of the traditional welfare system,and AFDC.
From the Paper "Congress began the process of overhauling the welfare system known as AFDC Aid to Families with Dependent Children that had been in place since the same year the Social Security Act was enacted as part of the New Deal policies, implemented under President Franklin Roosevelt. Passed by a Republican Congress and signed into law by Democratic President Bill Clinton, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of ... has already been hailed a success on ..."
Tags:welfare, TANF, Personal Responsibilty and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, social services, inner city, singlemothers, welfare-to-work
Discussion of factors that contribute to the high child poverty percentage among singlemother homes, families whose parents' employment is non-standardized, immigrants, visible minorities, Aboriginals and children with disabilities.
Abstract This paper examines the grave issue concerning child poverty that exists in Canada, as 15.6% of Canadian children are currently living below the poverty line. Within the paper, certain social groups are examined that have a high representation of child poverty. Among these are singlemother homes, families whose parents' employment is non-standardized, immigrants, visible minorities, Aboriginals, and children with disabilities. For each of these social groups, there is an explanation of the factors that led the particular group to have a high child poverty percentage.
From the Paper "1,065,000 children, or nearly one in six of Canada's children remain in poverty. Following five straight years of decline, in 2002, there was a jump in the child poverty rate, recorded as 15.6% (StatsCan). Although the constant decline in the previous years was seen as a positive step and possibly a continuing trend, this notion was quickly discarded once the level jumped in the opposite direction than anticipated. In order to properly understand the issue concerning child poverty, one must examine what social groups are mostly affected by poverty and the reasons and factors that influence a household income level, which determines who lives under the poverty line. Exposing itself to one third of children in Canada for at least one year, child poverty is a grave and serious issue within our nation. Although it is not especially restricted to, child poverty is largely represented among certain social groups, such as those raised by a female sole parent or parents whose employment is non-standardized, immigrants, visible minorities, Aboriginals, and children with disability."
Tags: aboriginals, child, children, classes, disabilities, families, groups, immigrants, kids, minorities, mothers, non, poverty, single, social, societal, standardized, visible, welfare, work
Abstract The paper focuses on the economically poor woman who is holding one or two jobs to support her family. The paper explores the literature on the topic and reveals the statistics on singlemothers and the poverty line. The paper provides the sociological perspective that these women, although trying to work their way out of poverty, are stuck in a cycle of government bureaucracy and stilted programs. The paper strongly believes that the social system needs to implement new policies in order to incorporate the perspective of the low paid singlemother.
From the Paper "There have been many sociologists who have written about the concept of poverty in the United States. Though their views often differ as to the causes, and solutions, the underlying commonality between the sociologists who have written about this issue agree that the current state of the American public is poorer than it has been in decades and this specifically applies to the low paid working mother. There have been many writers, columnists, politicians, sociologists and economists who have written about the concept of poverty in the United States. Though their views often differ as to the causes, and solutions, the underlying commonality between all of those who have written about this issue remains that the current state of the American public is poorer than it has been in decades."
Abstract This paper discusses how historically the concept of the single parent family in the United States has led to the belief that when one individual attempts to raise a child there will be hardships and family failure. This is contended because of the reliance of the family on one income and the dual roles that many single parents are forced to play in raising their children. Singlemothers act as caregiver disciplinarian financial head of household and housekeeper. The paper further discusses how in addition to these responsibilities most single moms have full-time jobs, and statistics indicate that the majority of singlemothers in the country receive no financial support from fathers. Yet, despite the abundance of negative elements that may be possible in the world of the single parent, there is an absolute possibility of success for the single parent to raise a family in this country.
Abstract Most people can describe their mothers and list the wonderful things they did for them as a child. Other people tell horror stories about their mothers. Parenting does not come with an instruction book so mothers learn by reading, watching, or trial and error. In this classification of mothers, three different types of mothers are discussed: Super Moms, soccer Mothers, and singlemothers.
