Keeping Women and Children Last Revised
In this sequel to 1986's Women and Children Last, sociologist Sidel attempts to untangle and then correct the public misperceptions about America's poor. It is a daunting task, but Sidel succeeds admirably, without losing her academic detachment. The book is a comprehensive analysis of data and personal anecdotes which highlight the absurdity of the current welfare debate on Capitol Hill. Her research reveals, among other things, that many of the poor hold full-time jobs, were formerly members of the middle class and hold middle-class values. In fact, Sidel's data, interviews and conclusions are so well-presented and convincing, one wonders how any reader could possibly disagree. Fortunately, Sidel also addresses the more emotional, irrational aspects of the arguments against welfare and the way those arguments demonize welfare recipients and poor women. Sidel's progressive suggestions on how society can remedy  economic disparity close the book on a hopeful note. Like its predecessor, this is a thoughtfully researched exploration of the myths and reality of America's attitude towards its least fortunate.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.