Search - American Dream: Three Women, Ten Kids, and a Nation's Drive to End Welfare

Interesting read about welfare and its effects on three African American single-mothers. I enjoyed reading about the lives of Jewell, Angie, and Opal. They are three single mothers with children in tow who move to Milwaukee from Chicago to have a better life. At the time of their move, the cost of living was cheaper and the welfare benefits were better in Milwaukee.

The book provides us with insight into the family dynamics of poverty and inner city life and how welfare plays into the picture. The author is very interested in the policy ramifications of Clinton's proposal to "end welfare as we know it". The discourse on welfare can get too heavy and technical. One chapter I skipped on policy in the Clinton years altogether.

Deparle also gives us insight into the corruption and misworkings of the welfare system in pratice.

Overall it is worth checking out if government reform, poverty, the working poor, family dynamics in the inner city, and single-mothers are of interest to you.