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Welfare Reform: Can Higher Education Reduce the Feminization of Poverty?

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Abstract

In this paper we address what is meant by “feminization of poverty.” We also provide a very brief historical review of poor women, their children, and their need for financial assistance. Furthermore we identify some of the obstacles women face while trying to become self-sufficient and how women attempt to overcome these obstacles while relying on government aid. A strategy used by some of these women on welfare is to attend college and earn a degree. We show how this group of women now faces a major obstacle with a recent reform in the welfare system. Finally, we offer some suggestions as to how policies and practices of institutions of higher education can help female students on welfare, thereby reducing the feminization of poverty in the United States.

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Tiamiyu, M., Mitchell, S. Welfare Reform: Can Higher Education Reduce the Feminization of Poverty?. The Urban Review 33, 47–56 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010384829009

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