The dramatic increase in poverty during the first half of the 1980s hit women and children the hardest. Regarding this fact, the following are discussed: (1) economic changes since 1960; (2) the extent of the problem; (3) reasons for the economic vulnerability of women and children; (4) curtailment of social services; and (5) probable future…

One out of five people under the age of 18 lives in families with poverty level income, making them the poorest age group in this country. Federal assistance is necessary to change the situation. Reasons why children are poor and their minimum needs for a physically and emotionally healthy upbringing are covered. (PS)

Today more than half of the women in America raising children on their own get no financial support from the fathers. The article considers the following aspects of states' roles in dealing with that problem: (1) states' powers and alternatives for action; (2) difficulties faced by states in applying those powers; and (3) suggestions for…

Without an increase in five years, minimum wage workers, 60 percent of whom are women, have experienced a sharp decline in real earnings. Over seventeen million Americans fall outside the federal provision and rely on inadequate state standards. Overtime and tipping laws are discussed. Social costs of maintaining the "working poor" outweigh…

Reviews "Losing Ground: American Social Policy, 1950-1980" by Charles Murray. Murray believes federal social welfare programs sap the moral fiber of poor Americans by eliminating a negative incentive for them to work at low paying jobs. Criticizes Murray's position, citing the importance of positive as well as negative incentives for…

Using High School and Beyond longitudinal data for 1980, this paper shows that government subsidized student aid substantially improved access to higher education for low income individuals. The analysis also shows that wealth neutrality (equal probability of college attendance across all incomes) was not achieved. (10 references) (MLH)

A mail-out survey was used to assess the transportation needs of seniors living in relatively remote rural areas of Saskatchewan. Two types of transportation needs were identified: the need to make local trips at least once a week and the need for transportation to a district center at least once a month. (Author/CT)

Presents findings of a study which investigated the relationship between ethnicity and the contraceptive behavior of a sample of economically disadvantaged pregnant girls under 15. Discusses significant differences found to exist between Hispanic and Black girls' culture and behavior. Offers suggestions for improving family planning intervention…

Documents inequality in school funding patterns in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Shows that school districts with higher percentages of economically disadvantaged children also are those with lower per pupil expenditures for instruction. Federal and State compensatory funds do not overcome this unequal expenditure for…

Discusses the economic and social progress that has occurred through efforts of large-scale international cooperation, reviewing the impact of economic aid on the pace and depth of development. Also presents priorities for the future and outlines the most significant lessons learned from the past. (ML)

Presents a broad overview of recent trends, programs, and ideas aimed at solving the problem of unintended adolescent pregnancy. Asserts that the general problem of teenage parenthood results from a lack of options available to poor youngsters who, often, are members of minority groups. (KH)

The tasks of the European Social Fund, the European Economic Community's social policy instrument, were reviewed in l983 in the light of the worsening unemployment situation and the priority placed on employment and vocational training policies. (Author/SSH)

Data collected in Los Angeles indicate that additional financial aid may have a diminishing impact on increasing access. The California Legislature-authorized study revealed that low levels of academic achievement, inadequate information, and inflexible admission policies are greater barriers to college for the poor than financial need.…

Examines the destructive impact of the criminal justice system on black children, arguing that strategies must be designed which will address the needs of black and poor children. Every action must be taken to reverse the abdication of agency responsibility, repeal Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) laws, and develop alternative programs for…

The federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires school districts in every state to publish and disseminate annual report cards with information on district performance. Schools are required to report similar information. These report cards must include not only information on overall student achievement, but also on the performance of…