ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the process and content of the gendered policies, beginning with those directed at dependent mothers, followed by an examination of the effect of the reforms in social insurance programs. It also examines issue areas related to government's efforts to provide economic security for the poor, who are predominantly women. Efforts to explain the situations of women of color in particular highlight the interaction of capitalist structures, family gender roles, segregated labor markets, and the anemic scope of government policy. Social insurance programs were designed to sustain the male breadwinner, a full-time worker, and are considered an essential right for workers. Transfer payments were designed to provide for dependent women and children and are considered a sort of dole, charity, or "welfare". While the federal administration could set general rules for the use of its funds, congressional amendments to Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) were for the most part permissive, serving primarily as suggestions or recommendations to states.
