Parental Introduction
Engaging Paraphrase:
Breaking Down Stigmas: A Journey of Resilience and Determination
In her book Class, Stephanie Land sets out to challenge the negative perceptions surrounding single mothers, particularly those living in poverty. Her latest work, Maid, shares a similar mission. It delves into what she calls her “hungriest year,” a time when she was a 35-year-old college senior, constantly battling hunger and dizziness.
Living in Montana with her six-year-old daughter and an abusive ex in Oregon, Land makes the bold decision to pursue a four-year degree in creative writing at the University of Montana. Juggling odd jobs, child support, food stamps, and student loans, she manages to scrape together enough money to provide for herself and her daughter while immersing herself in the world of literature and writing.
If the stereotype of single mothers is laziness, then Land’s story shatters that misconception. She hustles like few others can imagine, working tirelessly day and night, often unsure of where her next meal will come from. She faces the constant fear of running out of money before the month ends, praying that neither she nor her daughter will fall ill, and enduring freezing Montana winters by turning down the heat to save money.
However, it’s worth questioning whether there is still a stigma against single motherhood today. While a 2022 poll reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults view single women raising children as detrimental to society, the share of births to unmarried women has doubled in the past four decades. So, has the societal disgrace associated with having children outside of wedlock truly vanished?
Land recalls instances that may contribute to the perception of stigma. A professor once told her that children don’t belong in graduate school, potentially hindering her chances of entering an MFA program. An employee at a crisis pregnancy center questioned the absence of the baby’s father. And a friend expressed doubts about her decision to have another child with a casual acquaintance who wanted no involvement. But do these isolated incidents amount to a widespread societal condemnation?
Land finds the process of applying for government assistance invasive, as it requires divulging personal information about her income and work habits. She resents the assumption that everyone seeking aid is trying to scam the system. Yet, with welfare fraud estimated at $2.4 trillion annually, it’s clear that some individuals are indeed taking advantage.
The demands placed on Land by public officials, such as proving she is working enough, feel unreasonable to her. While it may be true that the judge overseeing her child support case fails to consider the challenges of being a full-time student and caregiver, it’s also fair to question some of Land’s choices. When she reveals her plans to pursue an MFA after graduation, the judge accuses her of voluntary underemployment. Perhaps this judgment seems harsh, but Land’s impractical decisions raise the question of whether she expects others to fund her choices.
Land’s circumstances as a single mother escaping an abusive ex with no family support leave her with limited options. Few would deny her the safety net provided by the government and private charities. However, she is not without agency when the book begins. With her industry, intelligence, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to her daughter, she could have easily escaped poverty had she made different choices.
For instance, pursuing an associate’s degree or vocational training would have resulted in minimal loans and better-paying job opportunities. Land possesses valuable skills such as reading, writing, and punctuality. She claims to have written 1,000 words per hour under pressure, a remarkable feat in today’s market. Many jobs would have supported her return to school while working. Even waiting to establish Montana residency for in-state tuition would have made a significant difference. Yet, Land resents these requirements, criticizing universities for prioritizing profit over affordable education.
Land acknowledges that our society places undue value on four-year degrees simply because they are four-year degrees. When confronted with the staggering amount of her student loans, she questions the message society sends. While student loan debt may not weigh as heavily on a debt-to-income ratio as credit card debt, it still hinders her ability to afford a home or secure a car loan. She realizes that her expensive education may not guarantee job opportunities as promised.
Throughout her book, Land’s focus remains on her daughters. She desires a better life for them, surrounded by a supportive community of babysitters, roommates, and fellow single mothers. When she goes into labor, she finds herself surrounded by a sisterhood of support. However, these networks often fall short.
Land continues to involve men in her life who show no interest in her daughters. Some even become threatening stalkers. When she finds a male roommate or friend willing to help with childcare in exchange for reduced rent, her daughter yearns for a father figure. Land admits that at times, what she truly needs is a partner in parenting rather than a romantic relationship. This highlights the crucial role fathers play, and it’s an aspect that Class fails to address.
The public’s perception of single motherhood is not solely rooted in the belief that these women are hardworking and devoted to their children. Many Americans view them as heroes, fighting against all odds for their children’s safety and well-being. However, society also recognizes the negative impact of fatherless households on children. This is an issue that Class does not adequately address or challenge.
Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education
By Stephanie Land
One Signal, 272 pp., $28Naomi Schaefer Riley, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the Independent Women’s Forum, is the author of No Way to Treat a Child: How the Foster Care System, Family Courts, and Racial Activists Are Wrecking Young Lives.
How does the cost of higher education contribute to the financial burden for individuals living on the edge of poverty?
Ng cost of higher education, she questions whether it is worth the financial burden, especially for those like her who are already living on the edge of poverty. She argues that society should place more value on vocational training and alternative paths to success, rather than solely focusing on traditional degrees.
While Land’s story is one of resilience and determination, it also raises important questions about the stigmas attached to single motherhood and poverty. Are single mothers still facing judgment and discrimination in society? Is the welfare system helping or hindering those in need? And are traditional education paths the only route to success?
Through her own experiences, Land challenges stereotypes and sheds light on the struggles faced by single mothers living in poverty. She invites readers to challenge their own preconceived notions and to see the complex realities of those living in difficult circumstances. Her story serves as a call to action, urging society to break down stigmas and provide support and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their family status or financial situation.
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