Elizabeth M. Dolan

Home-Based Employment: Historical and Current Considerations

The purposes of this article are threefold. First, there is a brief review of current and historical research on home-based business with special emphasis on female home-based employment and the impact of such employment on family life. Second, a conceptual model for family work activities is advanced. Finally, concepts related to home-based employment that could be used to frame and describe the empirical study are specified.

From Divorce to Remarriage

Abstract This study addresses remarried womens financial security related to the transition from divorce to remarriage by examining the financial changes and financial management strategies reported by a sample of 298 women. Findings suggest that women in remarriage experience a number of economic changes that are associated with both positive and negative outcomes. Specifically, the number of financial changes was related to use of a financial management strategy, but not to indicators of financial security; however, financial management strategy was related to financial security. Also, longer duration of a first or a remarriage was associated with higher financial security, whereas the link between financial management strategy and financial security was moderated by the length of time of the first marriage and remarriage. Implications for financial planners and educators are discussed.

Financial challenges in remarriage

Remarried couples, especially those with children from a previous marriage, face financial complexities unknown to couples in their first marriages. The few empirical investigations which have explored this feature of stepfamily life have revealed that couples often have a difficult time with the financial functioning aspect of their remarriage. While further research is needed to examine the dynamics of the financial aspects of remarriage, educators and counselors need to begin to help remarried couples to develop management strategies for coping with their unique situations. Recommendations for a workshop are made and resources are listed.

Getting Off TANF: Experiences of Rural Mothers

This 3-year study followed 16 rural mothers who left Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. A family economic functioning framework was used to identify pathways and barriers to financial self-sufficiency. At a designated point, most mothers had incomes below 130% of poverty level, inadequate to support families financially. This was found to be a result of barriers such as low levels of education, limited employment choices, and transportation problems. Those with higher incomes had access to education or training programs and reliable transportation. For many of the mothers, extended family support was critical for getting off TANF. This framework provides social workers with a tool to determine the best points of intervention to reduce barriers and enhance pathways to success.

Economic Security and Financial Management Issues Facing Same-Sex Couples

Same-sex couples experience economic rights and responsibilities in a context that differs from that of married couples. Financial management and economic security issues facing same-sex couples have received little attention to date. These issues are examined in this article within changing legal and social conditions. Family professionals should be knowledgeable about the context and scope of these important issues facing same-sex couples to be able to educate their constituent groups appropriately, deal with clients in therapy, and inform and influence policy makers.

An integrated model of homebased work effects on family quality of life

Abstract A model has been proposed to examine the effects of womens at-home income generation on quality of family life and satisfaction. The decision to choose home-based work is examined and theoretical propositions on the influence of worker/family characteristics and factors associated with the nature of the work and the home/work environment are offered.

Theories for Studying Rural Families and Work

In this chapter, we discuss the role of theory and how it helps to shape our interpretation of data and findings. An overview is presented of the major theoretical frameworks used by the Rural Families Speak (RFS) research team members to study various aspects of employment for rural low-income family. RFS findings are used to illustrate the frameworks and suggestions are made regarding future research. The theories presented are further addressed in chapters throughout the book. The 22 theories are grouped into major categories: (a) Ecological, (b) Capital, Capabilities, and Family Economic, (c) Resource based, (d) Life perspectives, and (e) Employment/Output.

Having Their Say: Rural Mothers Talk about Welfare

Abstract The publics perception of persons who rely on public assistance is generally negative. The surprising element is that mothers who are themselves reliant on welfare also hold these negative attitudes. This paper explored the attitudes toward and experiences with welfare of rural low income mothers using data from the Rural Families Speak longitudinal, multi-state project. Consistent with prior research, the majority of rural mothers spoke disparagingly of those relying on “welfare.” They saw themselves in a different light because they were in need and they used “public assistance” to help their families survive. The rural mothers also spoke of incidents in which they and their family members had experienced discrimination due to their use of welfare benefits.

Rural Families and Work Overview

This chapter frames the book about rural families and work. In the United States, in order to balance the needs of both family and employment, rural low-income parents need resources, health, social support, child care, and sometimes creative strategies. In this chapter, a brief overview is presented of rural economic conditions and the characteristics of rural low-income families. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, a.k.a. welfare reform, is described. The Rural Families Speak project (RFS) is introduced and demographics about the RFS employed participants and their families are presented. Finally, the organization of the book and the authors are highlighted.

Rural Does Matter: Understanding the Rural Context

Understanding rural contexts is foundational to our discussion of rural low-income families’ employment opportunities and challenges. This chapter considers four major areas from rural low-income family research: (a) a description of rural America, (b) an understanding of rural contexts, (c) a listing of possible opportunities for the future, and (d) challenges for current and future research. Some of the voices from the qualitative portion of the Rural Families Speak (RFS ) study are included in these sections to support and illustrate the issues at the individual and family level and the perceptions of the rural macrosystem and community level.