The Truly Disadvantaged: Structuring an Agenda for Change

It is argued that William J. Wilson's recommendations (see The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy, Chicago: U of Chicago Press, 1987) on policy changes that affect the underclass are unconsciously sexist & overemphasize the traditional two-parent family. Based on data derived from the 1980 US Census, which categorizes women heads of households as the poorest across ethnicity, income, & other characteristics of family structure, an urgent appeal is made for a reduction in gender inequality in the US. In particular, passage of the Equal Rights Amendment & comparable worth legislation, federally funded day care, & direct tax deductions for child care are recommended. 3 Tables, 22 References. M. Lemons