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The significance of housing for parents and children in poverty
Abstract
This study is an exploration of the relationship between housing and the rearing of young children among families in poverty. A year long open-ended, qualitative investigation was conducted with three families living in a small town. Frequent visits allowed for familiarity with family members, household routines, social networks, changing circumstances, and life problems. Families spent at least part of the year in secure and pleasant non-profit housing; but time was also spent in inadequate housing, doubled up with relatives, or in one case in a homeless shelter. The children involved ranged from one to nine years of age. An in-depth analysis of particular events and circumstances in the household lives of these families clarified ways in which housing contributed to patterns of parental behavior and perception which powerfully undermined or supported the best interests of these children. A case is made for considering housing assistance as a most appropriate form of support for families living in poverty.
Subject Area
Individual & family studies|Public policy|Social work
Recommended Citation
Bartlett, Sheridan Nason, "The significance of housing for parents and children in poverty" (1996). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9638927.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9638927