Investigates the impact of welfare reform legislation, discussing reasons for declining enrollment and examining: welfare's rise and fall; the end of welfare as it always existed; hassles of being on welfare; influence of the strong economy and rising wages; research on declining enrollment; leaving welfare without working; other sources of…

Describes the impact of Wisconsin Works (W-2), a work-first welfare reform effort that has created significant welfare enrollment reduction. While critics claimed it would devastate inner cities, poor families are faring better. W-2 built on diversion and incentives, opening up welfare administration to competition. Despite many successes, W-2 has…

Explores the increasing paternalism of American social policy in light of welfare reforms that require the government to supervise poor citizens to ensure that they comply with requirements for assistance. Reviews the development of paternalistic programs and the prospects for a future that requires less government supervision with more help from…

Most adolescent mothers are unmarried and on welfare. Congress enacted new welfare legislation that emphasizes reducing teen pregnancy and requiring work, but states are reluctant to meet this challenge. Discusses child poverty's new face, public policy and culture wars, welfare reform, and social norms. Concludes that reducing unwed parenthood…