Public Policy and the Low Income Matrifocal Family

摘要

A rapidly growing proportion of American families are single parent families headed by women: a large percent of these families are poor. Using data from a study conducted in Pueblo, Colorado, the authors identify the major social and economic problems facing matrifocal families. Their analysis of the service utilization patterns implies that while many of the services needed by matrifocal families exist, fragmentation in program planning, funding, and administering prevents families from obtaining assistance and support. To emphasize the need for fair employment opportunities for women, the authors devote a second section of the report to employment issues.