Many American families are beleaguered by the consequences of a declining standard of living over which they have little or no control. However, most explanations of rising economic insecurity focus on individual attitudes and behavior. The author examines the economic forces that profoundly affect the quality of life of families, contribute to the social and psychological problems family members bring to practitioners, and shape social agencies' ability to respond to them. The author situates these disquieting trends in policy decisions made by business and government and points to areas for potential social change.
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