Promises I can keep : why poor women put motherhood before marriage /

This insightful book based on in-depth interviews of low-income single mothers from some of the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia successfully answers the question of why poor women choose to have children out of wedlock, despite the economic hardship incurred. The complex story that emerges from these women's life narratives shows how motherhood helps women grow up, become more mature, and obtain a respectable status in their communities. Unfortunately, fatherhood does not bring similar rewards to men. On the contrary, it exposes their inability to support their families both financially and emotionally, and thus forces women to postpone marriage. The authors conclude it is not that poor women do not want to get married. Rather, these women have high expectations of marriage and would rather be single than get into a relationship that is likely to end in divorce. One of the most important insights from this book is in showing the shortcomings of current public policy that promotes marriage as an antipoverty strategy without taking into consideration the inability of young poor fathers to financially and emotionally support their families. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. G. Rabrenovic Northeastern University

Seeking to identify the forces behind the trend for young (and often impoverished) women to become (and remain) unmarried mothers, sociologists Edin (Univ. of Pennsylvania) and Kefalas (St. Joseph's Univ.) interviewed some 162 low-income residents in poor urban areas of Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. In their cogent and persuasive explanation of this lifestyle, they focus on four young women-Deena, Dominique, Mahkiya, and Jen-who, when they became pregnant, chose motherhood without marriage over abortion or adoption. Despite being young and poor, these women believe that caring for their children has added meaning to their otherwise diminished lives. The women relate personal stories and decisions that reflect factors in the changing role of women since the 1950s: a redefinition of marriage, the sexual revolution, and growing acceptance of cohabitation, all in a world of increasing inequalities in income and wealth. These women may struggle on the lower rung, but they remain firmly committed single parents. This thought-provoking book is highly recommended for academics, professionals, and public libraries.-Suzanne W. Wood, formerly with SUNY Coll. of Technology at Alfred (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.