How Teen Mothers Are Faring Under Welfare Reform

We examine socioeconomic and psychological well‐being among 88 low‐income minor mothers. Half of the young mothers receive cash welfare assistance and face new policy mandates regarding coresidence status and school attendance. Although most appear to be “complying” with the requirements of the new...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of social issues 2000, Vol.56 (4), p.775-798
Main Authors: Kalil, Ariel, Danziger, Sandra K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Low income groups
Mothers
Quality of life
Social research
Teenagers
Welfare
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Summary:We examine socioeconomic and psychological well‐being among 88 low‐income minor mothers. Half of the young mothers receive cash welfare assistance and face new policy mandates regarding coresidence status and school attendance. Although most appear to be “complying” with the requirements of the new welfare rules and are satisfied with their current living arrangements, many are faring poorly on dimensions of psychological well‐being and life stress. Receipt of cash welfare is not a significant correlate of school success, parenting stress, or economic strain. Teen coresidence with their mothers does not appear to buffer against the experience of child care problems, depressive symptoms, or domestic violence. We discuss the implications of the results forresearch, policy, and services for teen parent families.
ISSN:0022-4537
1540-4560
DOI:10.1111/0022-4537.00195