Children in Poverty: Child Development and Public Policy [Paperback]

Aletha C. Huston (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 26, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0521477565 | ISBN-13: 978-0521477567

The number of children living in poverty in the United States increased dramatically during the 1980s and remains high. By 1985, twenty percent of all children lived in families subsisting below the poverty line; percentages for black and Hispanic children were notably higher. The articles in this book attempt to address three main issues: Why so many children grow up in poor families, what the effects of poverty on a child's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are, and what role can public policy and policy research play in preventing or alleviating the damaging effects of poverty on children? Most books on poverty focus on analysis of the parents' income, and policies are aimed at self-sufficiency. This book is unique because it is child-centered. It concludes that solving the problem of childhood poverty requires society to assume greater responsibility for providing aid directly influencing the child, such as child allowances, medical care, child care and child support.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Intended for policymakers and scholars....A useful resource for its intended audience." F.J. Peirce, Choice

"...a thorough and rather tightly written discussion of the issues underlying what is arguably the number one social problem facing the United States, children in poverty. The book is informative, thorough, interesting and important..." Charles A. Kiesler, Contemporary Psychology

"...a timely and important book....highly useful collection of original papers....an intelligent book that provides perhaps the most comprehensive single source available today on the subject...has clearly set an agenda for policy-related research for many years to come." Daniel T. Lichter, American Journal of Sociology

"...usefully presents information that is both detailed and current. The novelty of the volume is that it combines social statistics with policy research on specific programs affecting poor children, arguing that we now know enough to justify large program reforms. Children in Poverty is authoritative: anyone interested in child policy must read it." Bruce Bellingham, Contemporary Sociology

"...an integrated approach to policymakers and researchers about the complex and unique problems that face children in poverty. By compiling an impressive array of research data that delineates the effects of poverty on America's children, this book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to have a realistic picture of the plight facing many children." Theresa M. Jones, Child Development Abstracts & Bibliography

"...authoritative: anyone interested in child policy must read it." Bruce Bellingham, Contemporary Sociology

"Focuses on children rather than on parental income or self-sufficiency to examine questions related to the increasing numbers of children in poverty." Public Welfare

Book Description

Whereas most books on poverty focus on analysis of the parents' income, and policies aimed at self-sufficiency, this book is unique because it is child-centered. It concludes that solving the problem of child poverty requires society to assume greater responsibility for providing aid directly influencing the child.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (August 26, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521477565
• ISBN-13: 978-0521477567
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,895,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)