Mothers Alone: Strategies for a Time of Change

(Hardback)

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Description

This book presents historical perspectives on single mothers and antipoverty strategies in the US and several other industrial societies. The authors, specialists in family policy, discuss family and personal life of single mothers, their work and income (usually low), and issues such as child care, housing, and stress. The experiences of different types of mothers-only families are examined, and societal concerns for improvement of the situation of such families are addressed. Kamerman and Kahn analyze various policy options and, following a holistic approach, they propose a benefit-service package. . . . Encompassing statistics, case studies, anecdotal insights, and cross-national analysis, this book makes a valuable contribution to understanding the problem and its policy implications. Choice Single-mother families are becoming an increasingly large and diversified group in the United States and other industrialized countries. From the poor, uneducated, unskilled teenager to the middle-class professional mother by choice, single mothers and their children face serious economic and social difficulties. This timely and comprehensive volume considers public policy options that respond to the needs of single mothers and their children, particularly in the areas of income, work, and child care.

Reviews

Single-mother families are becoming an increasingly large and diversified group in industrialized countries and effective policy measures and support services are increasingly needed. This volume addresses the difficult public policy choices that legislators, policymakers, scholars, and concerned citizens must debate over the next few years. The authors, experts in family and child policy, examine several options: an antipoverty strategy; a categorical single-mother strategy; a family policy focused on all young children; and a universal strategy that also concentrates on integrating work and family life. They consider the implications and consequences of these options for meeting the diverse and special needs of single mothers and their children. A discussion of policies adopted in other industrialized countries offers fresh perspectives for the United States.-Sage Family Studies Abstracts
"Single-mother families are becoming an increasingly large and diversified group in industrialized countries and effective policy measures and support services are increasingly needed. This volume addresses the difficult public policy choices that legislators, policymakers, scholars, and concerned citizens must debate over the next few years. The authors, experts in family and child policy, examine several options: an antipoverty strategy; a categorical single-mother strategy; a family policy focused on all young children; and a universal strategy that also concentrates on integrating work and family life. They consider the implications and consequences of these options for meeting the diverse and special needs of single mothers and their children. A discussion of policies adopted in other industrialized countries offers fresh perspectives for the United States."-Sage Family Studies Abstracts

Author Bio

SHEILA B. KAMERMAN is Professor of Social Policy and Planning at Columbia University School of Social Work and Codirector of the Cross-National Studies Research Program. ALFRED J. KAHN is also Professor of Social Policy and Planning at Columbia University School of Social Work and Codirector of the Cross-National Studies Research Program.