Teen mothers and the revolving welfare door
By: Kathleen Mullan Harris ; foreword by Frank F. Furstenberg, Jr.
Series: Women in the political economy
Publisher: Temple University Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Philadelphia
Language: eng
Number of pages: 195
Subjects: Teenage mothers -- United States; Unmarried mothers -- United States; Maternal and infant welfare -- United States; Child welfare -- United States; Aid to families with dependent children programs -- United States
Description: Kathleen Mullan Harris reveals the relationship between black teenage mothers and the welfare system. Does welfare encourage them to maintain a life of dependency? How does education, marriage, and employment impact this relationship? How do these women escape dependency?

Harris's account is based on Frank Furstenberg's Baltimore study, which began in the 1960s and has continued for more than 20 years. This study traces the paths of these mothers and provides commentary on the changes in the welfare system and the way society perceives welfare recipients. Not only are job prospects worse today but so are welfare benefits, and the abortion rate has risen drastically.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 171-188) and index.