Parenting in poverty: Perspectives of high-risk parents

A Philosophical Examination of Social Justice and Child Poverty

“…Trickier from a moral point of view are "choices" such as taking drugs or drinking during pregnancy, child neglect due to addictions or simple bad parenting (as in the two earlier cases). We make a much weaker claim here: namely, that behaviors are themselves partially determined by socioeconomic position and how one grows up and is socialized; this claim seems to be supported by some evidence now (Pinderhughes et al 2001;Russell, Harris and Gockel 2008). The claim that at least some important aspects of the choices we make are socially determined is, we believe, uncontroversial.…”

“…For now, we would like to point to the fact that parents and families in poverty usually have very limited options to influence the health of their children due to structural deficiencies, a fact that is to be taken into account when conceptualizing their responsibilities. Parents' behaviors are partially determined themselves by socioeconomic position and how one grows up and is socialized, a claim supported by considerable evidence (Pinderhughes et al 2001;Russell, Harris and Gockel 2008).…”

What Parents Feel They Need: Parents' Experiences with Parent Support Services in Prince George.

“…Parenting in poverty is associated with more challenges, including, higher frequency of negative events in life, a host of negative mental health factors, and social isolation (Anthony et al, 2005;Ceballo & McLoyd, 2002;Fish et al, 2007;Russell et al, 2008). Ceballo and McLoyd (2002) also suggest that persistent poverty is more detrimental to a child's development than short episodes of poverty.…”

Family Development Response Social Work and Family Service Social Work: From the service provider's perspective.

“…Russell et al (2008) also stated that one out of six children in Canada live in poverty, and that the poverty rate in BC is a high as 24 percent. The positives, noted by Russell et al (2008), of child protection intervention for families living in poverty, include: "increased assistance in providing adequate care for children through provisions of subsidized child care, referral to parenting programs, assistance in securing subsidized housing, and assistance with transportation costs" (p. 85). However, the negatives include the fear of having children removed or being labelled as a neglectful or abusive parent.…”

“…Edin and Lein (1997) found that poverty can affect parents by draining energy and lowering their sense o f control. Russell, Harris, and Gockel (2008) conclude by stating "social policies and economic systems in wealthy North…”