The American Journal of Sociology, in their article "Work and Welfare Among Single Mothers in Poverty" state that "Poverty in American has historically been viewed as a problem of work effort. Those who are poor either cannot work, choose not to work, or do not work enough" (317). This is a thought that hurst many people who are stuck in this cycle of poverty. For most single mothers, this statement could not be any more wrong. Being a single parent, many of these mothers must work endlessly to take car of their child/children while also maintaining the household, and also keeping a job to support her and her family. Does that sound like laziness or unwillingness to work to you?

Also, when these single mothers are struggling to decide between jobs and welfare, as the article states, "the economic benefits of work must be weighed against the costs of child care, medical care, role strain, and loss of time with children" (322). Is it fair to ask this of the mothers that surround our communities everyday? This strain on their lives really gives them no chance to break the cycle.

Citation:

Work and Welfare Among Single Mothers in Poverty

Kathleen Mullan Harris

American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 99, No. 2 (Sep., 1993), pp. 317-352

Published by: The University of Chicago Press

Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2781681