In the debate on welfare reform, stereotypes of women on welfare have
resurfaced, and most proposals for reform are designed to modify and
regulate women's behaviors. This article, based on information obtained in focus groups of recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent
Children, examines how women manage the stigma of being welfare
mothers and what they think about "cheating" the system. The most
striking difference between recipients of the 1990s and of the 1960s is
the belief of current recipients that they are entitled to governmental
support as long as they are attempting to better their own lives.
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