Social Stratification & Social Classes, Women - Regional Studies, Family - Assorted Topics, Women's Studies, Theology, Christian, United States Studies, Economic Conditions, Sociology, Public Affairs & Policies, Regional Studies

Blessed Are the Poor?

Name: Blessed Are the Poor?
Author: Pamela D. Couture
ISBN: 9780687036158

by Pamela D. Couture

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Overview

In this penetrating examination of the reasons behind women's poverty in the United States, Pamela D. Couture argues that a logic of interdependence, informed by a feminist reappropriation of the classical theological tradition of Luther and Wesley, offers a basis for a more responsive, and responsible, family policy of "universalized care." Blessed Are the Poor? argues that the language of a long-standing American tradition--self sufficiency--has informed American family policy and has in turn contributed to the growth of women's poverty.

The decade of the '80s saw a growing rift between the rich and the poor in the United States. Poverty increased among women with children--the so-called "female-headed family"--more rapidly than among any other population group. Couture's work argues that the tradition of self-sufficiency has contributed to the growth of women's poverty, and instead supports a policy of interdependence.

About the Author, Pamela D. Couture

2001 PAMELA COUTURE is Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care at Colgate-Rochester Divinity School, Rochester, New York. She is an ordained United Methodist minister, and a former director of Candler School of Theology's program for Women in Theology & Ministry, and former director of the Faculty Resource Center of the Association of Theological Schools. Her work played a central role in the Lilly Foundation's Family, Religion & Culture project. She has also presented on the issues of children and poverty before nine United Methodist annual conferences.