"Epigenesis" is the biochemical process through which some genes are expressed and others remain silent, and it reinforces and explains the powerful impact that the environment has on human development. Epigenetic effects occur not only through diet, chemical exposure, and high levels of environmental stress, but also through chronic poverty and…

As the United States' economy continues to experience challenges, more families at or near the poverty level fall prey to predatory financial practices. Their vulnerability to these operations is increased by a lack of knowledge of asset-building resources and alternative financial services. This article focuses on Volunteer Income Tax Assistance…

Mexican Americans have as much as a six-times greater risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than non-Hispanic white Americans, and women show a faster rate of decline in diabetic renal functioning. The leading treatment for ESRD is hemodialysis, an intensive, complex treatment regimen associated with high levels of patient nonadherence. Previous…

Native Hawaiians constitute 401,000 or 0.1 percent of the total U.S. population, with approximately 60 percent residing in the state of Hawai'i. In Hawai'i, Native Hawaiian elders ("na kupuna") face a number of social and health disparities when compared with their non-Native Hawaiian counterparts: higher rates of poverty, greater…

Provides critical review of three contemporary strategies for fighting poverty: reform within existing public welfare system; new version of social demogrant idea as extension of social insurance approach; and radical social reform. Concludes that public assistance reform will bring only modest gains, any form of guaranteed annual income is…

Highlights issues in funding, service availability, child care services, and mandated participation in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) training program. Suggests full implementation of the Family Support Act of 1988 and the expansion of other income supports for low-income families rather than further development of welfare benefits…

Reports on the effects of job loss and unemployment on a group of female garment workers (N=61) and their families. Reports problems with loss of income, loss of personal meaning, changes in family organization, loss of social support, and in time management. Suggests guidelines for service programs and future research. (Author/ABL)

Compared families referred to county child welfare agency for child neglect who were known to agency for 3+ years (chronic group); recently referred and substantiated (newly neglecting group); and referred but not substantiated (unconfirmed group). Found significant differences among groups in family size/composition, numbers/kinds of problems,…

Discusses evolution of current welfare system. Suggests in light of postindustrial economy priorities of welfare system need to be reexamined. Notes need to address the "pauperization" of women. Analyzes poverty rates for women from 1978-1983. Provides proposals for helping women in the labor market. Contends social workers must be…

Provides annotated glossary that identifies some language harmful to women, minorities, and the poor; reveals latent meanings; and recommends alternative words when possible. Highlights ideological power of language; demonstrates how current discourse contributes to punitive policies and oppressive conditions; and contributes to end of doublespeak…

Contends that it is imperative to end hunger in the United States and to go beyond a national perspective, taking a global perspective to fight hunger elsewhere in the world. Sees America's first response to hunger being charity and considers charity and justice. Discusses efforts of Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and Maine Coalition for Food…

Analyzes factors that caused economic well-being of children in United States to deteriorate during 1980s. Notes that young families and female-headed families were hit hardest by structural economic changes, contributing to rise in child poverty. Contends that, although more children became poor, social services provision did not increase.…

Explores emergence of concepts of advantaged elder and feminization of poverty. Calls it paradox that society has simultaneously embraced these two concepts when elderly population, especially subpopulation of those who are very old, is overwhelmingly female. Examines theoretical shortcomings of both concepts and proposes broader model of economic…

Discusses relation of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) to problems of unwed motherhood. Shows that extension of AFDC to unwed mothers was unintended development and has been demise of residential homes for unwed mothers. Urges renewed attention be given to public support of maternity homes as means of socializing young mothers and…

Outlines the rationale for promoting comprehensive development in troubled communities. Argues that such approaches employ strategies that address the social, physical, and economic needs and circumstances of community residents. Looks at historical and current approaches and examines the experience of the Ford Foundation's Neighborhood and Family…