The author of this chapter suggests that attempts to encourage fathers to remain with their families do not address the economic and social reality of low-income men and single parent families. The statistics about father absence fail to calculate the number of non-resident fathers who are involved with their children but do not provide financial assistance and do not consider that residence with an abusive father is more harmful than living in a single parent household. Furthermore, the public image of low-income single mothers depicts them as unwilling to work or supervise their children…
Despite the increase in the number of children born to unwed White mothers, social policies and attitudes about female-headed households usually depict the family structure as a Black issue. Public discourse continues to view the matriarchal family as abnormal and the cause of many problems in the Black community, such as criminal behavior and drug abuse. Black men are considered to be unsuitable role models and unable to lead their families, a belief that White Americans have maintained since the days of slavery. However, these criticisms of Black fathers distract attention from the social…
This 1998 report profiles what States are doing to promote the well-being of America's youngest children and families. It gives a picture of the level of commitment to young children and families across the States. The report includes data on State-by-State indicators of young child and family well-being; on State-by-State investments in basic support services for young children such as health care, child care, and early education; and on indicators relevant to how welfare reform implementation is likely to affect families with young children. The report is divided into 4 chapters with the…
