Chapter 15: Looking Ahead: Helping Families Flourish Part I: Multiple Choice Questions 1. In the opening vignette Sophie and Alain discuss: A. family policy in the U.S. and France. B. same-sex marriage law in Iceland. C. programs for the elderly in Sweden. D. national health insurance in England. E. maternity leave benefits in Canada. Answer: A Rationale: The opening vignette compares family policy between the U.S. and France. Learning Objective 15.1: What is family resilience? 2. Some people have difficult lives, yet overcome adversity and are successful and well- adjusted. In the face of life’s many challenges, they have overcome many, if not all, of them. These individuals show: A. protective factors. B. resilience. C. SCHIP. D. cumulative advantage and disadvantage. E. EITC. Answer: B Rationale: Resilience is the capacity to rebound from adversity, misfortune, trauma, or other transitional crises strengthened and more resourceful. 3. The Kauai Longitudinal Study found that: A. national health insurance improved access to health care. B. the window for resilience is generally from age 9 to age 18. C. Two-thirds of those children who experienced four or more risk factors by age 2 developed learning or behavior problems by age 18, and most continued to have serious problems through adulthood. D. resilience can be developed at any point in the life course. E. selective programs enabled families to become more cohesive. Answer: D Rationale: Resilience can be developed at any point along the life course. Learning Objective 15.2: What are the components of family resilience? 4. Nuan has a positive self-concept of herself, and is intelligent, creative, and independent. These are examples of: A. SCHIP protective factors. B. family recovery factors. C. simplified personality. D. complex personality. E. individual protective factors. Answer: E Rationale: Individual-level protective factors include such micro-level traits as a positive self-concept, sociability, intelligence, scholastic competence, autonomy, high self- esteem, creativity, independence, good communication and problem-solving skills, humour, and good mental and physical health. 5. Family protective factors: A. are micro-level characteristics. B. assist families in “bouncing back” from a crisis situation. C. are social networks, religious and faith-based fellowships, for example. D. are family policies, such as maternity leave. E. are personal characteristics you developed early in life, such as intelligence, sense of humour, or creativity. Answer: A Rationale: Family protective factors are micro-level characteristics that shape the family’s ability to endure in the face of risk factors; they protect a family from crises. 6. Your 16-year-old teenage sister is pregnant, and your family sees this as a serious crisis. However, they are able to weather this crisis because of their commitment to each other, emotional support, and good communication skills. These are examples of: A. family protective factors. B. parenting resilience factors. C. family recovery factors. D. family promotion factors. E. individual recovery factors. Answer: C Rationale: Family recovery factors assist families in “bouncing back” from a crisis situation. 7. A strong community: A. separates children from adults so that children can socialize with and learn from each other. B. is an important means of developing resilient youth, but also fosters resilience among adults. C. has community facilities and events for adults, of which youth can attend. D. implies that since the focus for youth is education, extra-curricular activities in school should be kept to a minimum. E. is the focus of the EITC. Answer: B Rationale: All are false except for B; it is an important means of developing resilient youth, but also fosters resilience among adults. Learning Objective 15.3: What is missing from models of resilience? 8. Strengthening families requires individuals, families, and communities to work together. But what still is missing, according to the text? A. toys B. parks C. schools D. national and state policies E. family resilience Answer: D Rationale: National and state policies are a key missing piece. 9. Family policy is an example of a ______________ perspective toward enhancing resilience. A. macro-level B. micro-level Answer: A Rationale: Family policy is an example of a macro-level perspective. Learning Objective 15.4: What is the difference between universal and selective approaches to family policies and programs? 10. Liam lives in Western Europe, where the focus on family programs tends to be: A. means-tested. B. selective. C. universal. D. open. E. closed. Answer: C Rationale: Programs in Western Europe tend to be universal. 11. Which of the following developed nations do/does not offer paid maternal/paternal leave at childbirth, universal health care, and a family allowance? A. Australia, Canada, the United States, New Zealand B. Australia, Japan C. The United States, Japan D. New Zealand, Japan, Italy E. The United States Answer: E Rationale: The U.S. is the only developed nation that does not offer these programs. 12. When policies or programs are ______________ , persons must meet an income requirement to qualify for benefits. A. selective B. universal C. open D. means-tested E. income-categorized Answer: D Rationale: Means-tested programs or policies are ones that are tied to income. 13. An example of a universal program or policy in the United States is: A. higher education. B. health care. C. cash welfare assistance. D. food assistance programs. E. police protection. Answer: E Rationale: Of those listed, only police protection is an example of a universal program. Learning Objective 15.5: How does family policy in the United States compare to other countries? 14. Which of the following statements is TRUE? A. Compared to France, the United States has a strong family policy, but weak family programs. B. Compared to France, programs and policies of the United States tend to be more selective. C. France’s programs are more likely to be means-tested, compared to the United States. D. France is one of only three developed nations that offer paid maternity/paternity leave, national health insurance, and family allowances. E. In France, mothers are more likely to feel guilty for combining work and family. Answer: B Rationale: The U.S. leans toward selective policies. 15. Americans are more likely than other developed countries to believe: A. inequality is caused by the structure of society. B. children benefit all of society and are the responsibility of all citizens. C. poverty is caused by personal laziness or individual failure. D. families should not be left to fend for themselves. E. taxes to pay for programs are everyone’s responsibility. Answer: C Rationale: Americans are more likely than other countries to equate poverty to personal laziness, immorality, or individual failure. Learning Objective 15.6: What are some examples of policies or programs in the United States that help to support families? 16. The Canadian health care system: A. costs about $5,000 per person on health care, compared to about $8,100 per person in the U.S. B. produces a higher infant mortality rate than the U.S. C. produces a lower life expectancy than the U.S. D. is selective, as is the health care system in the U.S. E. is likely to cause people to go into debt for medical reasons. Answer: A Rationale: Only A is correct; the Canadian system spends about $5,000 per capita on health care, compared to about $8,100 in the U.S. 17. The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, signed by President Clinton, requires: A. employers with over 50 employees to offer 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. B. all employers to provide unpaid leave for maternity. C. employers with over 10 employees to offer family allowances. D. employers with over 50 employees to offer family allowances. E. all employers to provide 6 weeks of paid maternity leave. Answer: A Rationale: FMLA requires employers with over 50 employees to offer 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. 18. Ruby, who is trying to juggle work and family as a single mother, appreciates that she can go into work early so that she will be able to pick her daughters up from school in the afternoon. According to the text, this is known as: A. selective time. B. TANF. C. flexitime. D. family encouragement policy. E. a child-friendly work environment. Answer: C Rationale: Flexibility in daily work hours is known as flexitime. 19. Which of the following statements about telecommuting (flexplace) is FALSE? A. It involves maintaining a virtual office or working from home. B. It is rising in popularity because of a growing concern about the automobile’s effect on global warming, the rising price of gasoline, and the increasing numbers of parents combining work and family. C. Employees who were allowed to telecommute some or part of the time had less desire to leave the company. D. Given the benefits of telecommuting most workers are eager to telecommute and relatively confident that it will work out well. E. There are about 45 million telecommuters. Answer: D Rationale: Only D is false; many workers are skittish because of the difficult economic times. 20. Diego is a working father who earns low wages, and receives a refundable federal tax credit that reduces the amount of taxes he owes on April 15. This program is called: A. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). B. Family Encouragement Policy (FEP). C. Living Wage. D. Cumulative Tax Policy (CTP). E. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Answer: E Rationale: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal tax credit for low- income working families that can reduce the amount of taxes owed and result in a tax refund for those who qualify. 21. Which of the following statements is FALSE about families leaving TANF, according to a study of 552 families in Oregon? A. The recipients’ average income hovered near the poverty line, but their income rendered them ineligible for a number of important services. B. Forty percent had no health insurance and 21 percent had at least one child uninsured. C. One-third had cut or skipped meals entirely because of a lack of money. D. Almost one-quarter had a medical debt averaging nearly $1,000. E. Some parents skip or cut their children’s meals to save money. Answer: D Rationale: Only D is false; over half had a medical debt averaging $2,500. Learning Objective 15.7: What are some examples of policies or programs in the United States that help to improve children’s lives? 22. Marian benefits from several public health and social welfare programs for her family that provide prenatal care, immunizations, and food and nutritional supplements, including the feeding program Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These are examples of: A. universal programs. B. Head Start. C. early childhood interventions. D. Medicare programs. E. family allowances. Answer: C Rationale: Early childhood interventions are attempts to maintain or improve the quality of lives of young children. 23. The intervention program that combines early childhood education with parent education, which is designed to improve school readiness and basic cognitive skills for low-income preschool-aged children, is called: A. universal programs. B. Head Start. C. early childhood interventions. D. Medicare programs. E. family allowances. Answer: B Rationale: Head Start combines early childhood education with parent education to improve school readiness and basic cognitive skills for low-income preschool-aged children. 24. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): A. was created in the 1990s to insure children in working families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private family coverage. B. provides dental care for children through young adults up to age 29. C. has ensured that virtually all needy children receive basic medical care. D. was developed alongside Medicare in the 1960s. E. covers children who live in households with incomes up to $20,000 a year. Answer: A Rationale: Only A is correct: SCHIP was created in the 1990s to insure children in working families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private family coverage. 25. The Family Support Act: A. may include withholding child support from fathers’ wages, requiring states to adopt uniform standards for setting child support awards, implementing computerized systems for locating delinquent parents, or intercepting tax returns. B. was implemented in 2001. C. has been highly successful and compliance has improved considerably. D. enforces child support from noncustodial fathers but not noncustodial mothers. E. has resulted in only 1 million children who now fail to receive regular child support and the full amount that is owed them. Answer: A Rationale: The Family Support Act uses multiple methods to enforce child support. 26. Which of the following is NOT a problem with the current childcare pre-tax benefit offered by some U.S. employers? A. Childcare costs typically far exceed the $5,000 savings cap. B. Wealthier families in higher tax brackets tend to save more money than those in lower tax brackets. C. The program is a highly progressive form of taxation. Answer: C Rationale: Only C is incorrect; the program is actually highly regressive. 27. In the United States, only ______________ percent of children ages 2 and under, and ______________ percent of children ages 3 to school-age, are in publicly funded childcare programs. A. 5; 25 B. 1; 14 C. 28; 15 D. 28; 33 E. 5; 7 Answer: B Rationale: In the United States, only 1 percent of children ages 2 and under, and 14 percent of children ages 3 to school-age, are in publicly funded childcare programs. Learning Objective 15.8: What are some examples of policies or programs in the United States that help the elderly? 28. About ______________ percent of elders live in poverty, the ______________ proportion of any age group. A. 19; highest B. 15; highest C. 25; highest D. 15; lowest E. 9; lowest Answer: E Rationale: About 9 percent of elders live in poverty, the lowest proportion of any age group. 29. Chances are an 80-year-old widowed Black female who lives alone is significantly worse off than a 66-year-old married White male. Sex, race, ethnicity, and age interact to influence an individual’s median income and likelihood of living in poverty. This is known as: A. poverty rates. B. a spurious relationship. C. interactive behavior. D. structural functionalist theory. E. cumulative advantage and cumulative disadvantage. Answer: E Rationale: Cumulative advantage and cumulative disadvantage describe how early life choices influence status in later life. 30. A “three-legged stool” refers to what issue discussed in the text? A. Poverty rate differences between children, adults, and the elderly. B. Ideally, elders in the United States receive income from three primary sources: retirement benefits from Social Security, payments from private pensions, and income from assets and personal savings. C. Cumulative advantages and disadvantages associated with sex, race/ethnicity, and social class. D. Adult children caring for their aging parents and their own children. E. Medicare is the health policy program for the elderly. Answer: B Rationale: The three-legged stool refers to sources of income for the elderly. 31. Medicare: A. is the free health care program for the elderly. B. was created during the 1930 during the Great Depression. C. has some parts that are automatic and some that are optional. D. is a means-tested program. E. is well-funded and solvent into the foreseeable future. Answer: C Rationale: Medicare has several parts; some are automatic and others are optional. Learning Objective 15.9: What are some examples of family policies or programs that are still needed to support families? 32. The U.S. has a strong ______________ currently in place. A. maternity leave policy B. national health insurance policy C. family allowance policy D. subsidized childcare policy E. selective benefit policy Answer: E Rationale: The U.S. focuses on selective benefits. 32. Sophie and Alain show us: A. that both French and U.S. policies have something to learn from each other. B. U.S. family policy is weak with respect to maternity leaves, children with special needs, and health care. C. People in France are upset about the high taxes they pay. D. French family policy is weak with respect to maternity leaves, children with special needs, and health care. E. Most French persons would prefer living in the U.S. Answer: A Rationale: Both the U.S. and France have points of strength. Learning Objective 15.10: What are the three themes of this text? 34. One of the themes of this text has been to illustrate how our personal experiences, choices, and constraints are influenced by historical and cultural forces, social positions, and social institutions. Another way of saying this is: A. individual protective factors promote resiliency. B. empirical data can tell us right from wrong. C. cumulative advantage and disadvantage do affect people in later life. D. linking micro-level and macro-level perspectives helps us understand families. E. resiliency is less likely to occur when there is access to a role model, friend, or confidant. Answer: D Rationale: Only D is one of the themes of the book. 35. Social science research can help answer all of these questions EXCEPT: A. how many abortions occurred last year. B. whether abortion should be legal or illegal. C. the percentage of unmarried women who had abortions. D. the level of support a woman has for her abortion from a partner or parents. E. the percentage who would reportedly seek an illegal abortion if a legal abortion were unavailable. Answer: B Rationale: Research cannot always tell us what is right or wrong. 36. Which of the following is NOT an explicit theme of the text? A. linking the micro-level and macro-level perspectives B. families are always changing C. cumulative advantage and disadvantage shapes our life course D. theory and research can help us understand families and relationships Answer: C Rationale: All are explicit themes except C. Part II: True – False Questions 1. Resilience is a multi-faceted ability to thrive despite adversity. Answer: True 2. Resilience tends to occur between the ages of 9 and 20. Answer: False 3. Natasha has had a challenging upbringing, but traits such as a positive self-concept, sociability, intelligence, scholastic competence, autonomy, self-esteem, androgyny, good communication and problem-solving skills, humour, and good mental and physical health have helped her. These are known as individual-level protective factors. Answer: True 4. Family recovery factors are family characteristics or dynamics that shape the family’s ability to endure in the face of risk factors. Answer: False 5. Family protective factors are family characteristics or dynamics that assist families in bouncing back from a crisis situation. Answer: False 6. Social networks, and religious and faith-based fellowships are examples of community factors that help promote resilience. Answer: True 7. The resilience literature must add a focus on macro-level structural factors, such as family programs and policies. Answer: True 8. Selective programs are programs for which beneficiaries need to meet some eligibility requirement to qualify. Answer: False 9. Programs for which only a select group of people is eligible are called means-tested programs. Answer: False 10. Universal programs are programs to help strengthen all families without any eligibility requirement. Answer: True 11. A tax system under which those who earn more pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than those who earn less is called progressive taxation. Answer: True 12. Compared to the U.S., France has weak family policies. Answer: False 13. National health insurance is a federal program for people aged 65 and older (and some people with disabilities under age 65). Answer: False 14. Michelle has a paid and guaranteed leave from work to care for her children after she gave birth to her second child. This is called flexitime. Answer: False 15. Dickson has flexibility in his daily hours of work, which is called family leave. Answer: False 16. Telecommuting is when there is flexibility in the location of work, including working from home. Answer: True 17. Jackie earns a living wage, which is a refundable federal tax credit for low-income working families that reduces the amount of taxes owed. Answer: False 18. A refundable federal tax credit for low-income working families that reduces the amount of taxes owed is called an Earned Income Tax Credit. Answer: True 19. The principal cash welfare program in the United States is TANF. Answer: True 20. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) was created in the 1990s to insure children in working families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but too low to afford private family coverage. Answer: False 21. Early childhood intervention attempts to maintain or improve the quality of life for young children. Answer: True 22. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was created in the 1990s to insure children in working families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private family coverage. Answer: True 23. While the average child support payment due is $10,000 per year, only $6,000 is actually received, short changing children out of $4,000 a year. Answer: False 24. In France, families can offset some of the costs of childcare in two ways: one option is a childcare tax credit on the family’s income tax form, and a second option, available only if provided by an employer, is that a family can set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax dollars in a flexible spending plan for childcare. Answer: False 25. Cumulative advantage and disadvantage refer to pay that is high enough to allow a worker to meet basic needs in a given community, and one that will ultimately decrease the number of people dependent on social programs. Answer: False 26. The difference in Social Security benefit size between married couples and singles is particularly acute in the United States, where elderly women who live alone are among the poorest in all developed countries. Answer: True 27. Medicare is a free health care system for all citizens that considers health care a public right. Answer: False 28. The U.S. maternity leave policy is on par with Afghanistan, Egypt, and Guatemala. Answer: False 29. Most developed countries lean towards universal programs and policies, but the U.S. leans towards selective ones. Answer: True 30. The three themes of the text are: (1) macro-level factors are more important than micro-level factors; (2) families are in a state of decline; and (3) social science research can help tell us right from wrong. Answer: False 31. Comparing and contrasting the family policies of France and the United States is an example of a macro-level perspective. Answer: True Part III: Short Answer/Fill in the Blank Questions: 1. Sophie and Alain are a married couple who originally lived in ______________ . Answer: France 2. ______________ is a multi-faceted phenomenon that produces the ability to thrive despite adversity. Answer: Resilience 3. The actor Jim Carrey grew up in poverty, yet he managed to thrive despite adversity. This is an example of ______________ . Answer: resilience 4. Traits such as a positive self-concept, sociability, intelligence, and scholastic competence are examples of ______________ . Answer: individual protective factors 5. Family protective factors are those that ______________ . Answer: shape the family’s ability to endure in the face of risk factors. 6. ______________ assist families in “bouncing back” from a crisis situation. Answer: Family recovery factors 7. Identify four potential strengths of communities. Answer: (1) A strong community has opportunities for participation in community life; (2) A strong community should provide ways for members to contribute to the welfare of others; (3) A strong community provides opportunities to connect with peers and other adults; (4) A strong community has community facilities and events for youth. 8. Are policies and programs for resilience considered to be micro-level or macro-level factors? Answer: macro-level 9. Selective programs and policies are defined as ______________ Answer: only certain categories of people are eligible. 10. Societies with universal programs and policies generally fund them with ______________ taxation, meaning ______________ . Answer: progressive; those who earn more pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes 11. The U.S. leans toward ______________ policies and programs, while most other developed countries lean toward ______________ policies and programs. Answer: selective; universal 12. Jerome lives in a country with national health insurance. This means ______________ Answer: access to health care is considered a public right of all citizens. It is viewed as a public good. 13. List at least three reasons why maternity leaves are important. Answer: Lengthy maternity leaves are associated with (1) better maternal health; (2) lower family stress; and (3) breastfeeding for longer periods, (4) Women are more likely to return to work after childbirth in those countries that have longer leaves. (5) It is also more cost-effective for a company to develop a well-planned parental leave policy than it is to rehire and retrain new employees. 14. List at least three specific facts about the Earned Income Tax Credit. Answer: (1) The EITC is a refundable federal tax credit for low-income working families that can reduce the amount of taxes owed and result in a tax refund for those who qualify; (2) To qualify, a family (married and filing taxes jointly) must have adjusted gross income in 2010 of less than $45,373 with two children, $40,545 with one child and $18,470 with no children; (3) The EITC lifts millions of families out of poverty each year and is one of the country’s largest sources of assistance for poor and low-income families; (4) Enacted in 1975 and expanded in the 1990s, it keeps 6.5 million Americans out of poverty each year; (5) It cost the government about $54 billion in 2010; (6) It encourages employment because it offers a real supplement to wages for qualifying low-income workers; (7) Without the EITC, poverty rates among children would be about one-third higher than they are now. 15. List four specific examples of early childhood interventions. Answer: Public health and social welfare programs that provide prenatal care, immunizations, or food and nutritional supplements, including the feeding program Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), SCHIP; childcare programs designed to ensure high-quality care, or to provide financial assistance to families needing childcare; programs to promote early childhood development, such as parenting classes, Head Start, preschool, and kindergarten; and income or other safety-net programs. 16. If low-income and poor children are eligible for SCHIP, then why are they not covered? List three reasons. Answer: (1) Some families do not know of the program or cannot access it for some reason; (2) The program is underfunded and cannot cover all eligible children; (3) Applications are subject to bureaucratic rules such as 90-day waiting periods, strict asset limits, or other regulations that limit their coverage. 17. The federal health insurance program for people ages 65 and older (and some people with certain disabilities under age 65) is called: Answer: Medicare 18. Compared to other developed nations (and many less developed nations), the U.S. is the only country without: Answer: paid maternity leave; national health insurance; family allowances 19. The three themes of the text are: Answer: integrating micro- and macro-level perspectives; families are always changing; research and theory can help us understand families 20. Examining the cultural norms surrounding families is an example of a ______________ - level perspective. Answer: Macro Part IV: Essay Questions 1. What is family resilience, and what are its components? Be sure to provide examples. Answer: Family resilience refers to the ability of a family to withstand and adapt to significant challenges and adversity while maintaining or strengthening their functioning and well-being. Components of family resilience include: • Adaptability: The capacity to adjust and respond effectively to changing circumstances. For example, a family relocates due to job loss and adapts to a new environment. • Coherence: Maintaining a sense of meaning, purpose, and shared beliefs within the family. For instance, families draw strength from cultural or religious beliefs during difficult times. • Connectedness: Strong bonds and supportive relationships within the family and with external networks. An example is when a family relies on extended family members or community support during a crisis. • Resources: Access to tangible resources such as financial stability, healthcare, and social support. For example, a family utilizes savings and insurance to recover from a natural disaster. These components work together to enhance the resilience of families, enabling them to navigate challenges and maintain stability. 2. Distinguish between selective and universal programs and policies. Provide three examples of each type. Which type does the U.S. primarily use, and why? Answer: Selective Programs and Policies: • Target specific populations based on criteria such as income, risk factors, or need. • Examples: 1. Head Start program (provides early childhood education to low-income families). 2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for individuals with disabilities and low income. 3. Medicaid (provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families). Universal Programs and Policies: • Offer benefits or services to all members of a population, regardless of income or risk status. • Examples: 1. Social Security benefits (provides retirement income to eligible individuals). 2. Medicare (provides healthcare coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, and some younger individuals with disabilities). 3. Public education (provides free education to all school-aged children). Primary Use in the U.S.: • The United States primarily uses selective programs and policies. This approach targets resources to those most in need, aiming to address specific challenges or disadvantages faced by vulnerable populations. • Selective programs are often seen as more cost-effective in targeting resources where they are most needed, although they may not universally cover all individuals or address broader societal needs. Understanding these distinctions helps policymakers and stakeholders design and implement effective programs to address diverse social and economic needs within the population. 3. Compare the U.S. policy for maternity/paternity with those of other nations mentioned in the text. Offer possible explanations for the U.S. position. Answer: U.S. Policy for Maternity/Paternity: •In the U.S., maternity leave is typically unpaid under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for eligible employees. •Paternity leave policies vary widely among employers, with few mandated federal provisions for paid paternity leave. •Comparison with Other Nations: •European Countries: Many European nations provide generous maternity and paternity leave, often with substantial periods of paid leave, sometimes up to a year or more. •Canada: Offers parental leave for up to 18 months, with a combination of maternity and parental benefits. •Nordic Countries: Known for extensive parental leave policies with a focus on gender equality and parental involvement. •Possible Explanations for the U.S. Position: •Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles and expectations may influence policies favouring less extensive maternity and paternity leave. •Employer Influence: Concerns over costs and productivity may shape employer resistance to mandated paid leave policies. •Political Factors: Policy decisions reflect debates over government intervention versus employer flexibility in managing labor costs and benefits. The U.S. position reflects a balance between labor market dynamics, cultural values, and policy priorities compared to other nations prioritizing family support and gender equity through more extensive leave policies. 4. Outline the benefits of flexitime and flexplace (telecommuting) options. What has the research shown thus far about these programs? Answer: Benefits of Flexitime and Telecommuting: • Flexitime: Allows employees to adjust work hours to accommodate personal needs, enhancing work-life balance and reducing stress. • Telecommuting: Enables employees to work remotely, increasing productivity, reducing commuting costs, and improving job satisfaction. Research Findings: • Productivity: Studies show telecommuting can increase productivity due to reduced distractions and increased focus. • Job Satisfaction: Flexitime and telecommuting are associated with higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. • Work-Life Balance: Employees report better work-life balance and reduced stress levels with flexible work arrangements. • Organizational Benefits: Flexitime and telecommuting can lower overhead costs, enhance employee retention, and improve recruitment efforts. Overall, research indicates that flexitime and telecommuting programs offer substantial benefits for both employees and employers, contributing to enhanced productivity, satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness. 5. Write an essay about TANF, and be sure to explain the strategies used to survive welfare and low-wage work. Answer: TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): TANF is a federal program designed to provide temporary financial assistance to low-income families. Here are key aspects and strategies associated with TANF: • Purpose: TANF aims to promote self-sufficiency through work and job preparation activities. • Block Grant: States receive block grants to administer TANF, allowing flexibility in program design and implementation. • Eligibility and Benefits: Eligibility criteria vary by state, typically focusing on income levels and family composition. Benefits include cash assistance, childcare support, and job training. • Time Limits: TANF imposes time limits on receipt of benefits, encouraging recipients to transition to employment. Strategies to Survive Welfare and Low-Wage Work: 1. Multiple Jobs: Many recipients work multiple low-wage jobs to make ends meet. 2. Public Assistance: Utilizing other public assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. 3. Support Networks: Relying on family and community support for childcare and other needs. 4. Education and Training: Pursuing education and vocational training to enhance job prospects. 5. Budgeting and Financial Management: Effective budgeting and financial planning to stretch limited resources. Navigating welfare and low-wage work involves resilience and resourcefulness, as individuals and families strive for economic stability and upward mobility despite challenges. 6. List at least five early childhood interventions. Then write an essay about either the Head Start or the SCHIP program. Answer: List of Early Childhood Interventions: 1. Head Start: Provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families. 2. Early Head Start: Focuses on prenatal care and early education for infants and toddlers from low-income families. 3. Universal Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K): Offers preschool education to all children, enhancing school readiness and academic achievement. 4. Home Visiting Programs: Provides support and education to parents of young children in their homes, promoting child development and family well-being. 5. Child Care Subsidies: Financial assistance to low-income families to access quality child care services, supporting parental employment. Essay on Head Start Program: Head Start Program: Head Start is a federally funded program aimed at promoting school readiness for children from low-income families by providing comprehensive early childhood education and services. Established in 1965, Head Start serves children ages birth to five, focusing on holistic development through educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Components of Head Start: • Education: Offers developmentally appropriate learning activities to enhance cognitive, social, and emotional skills. • Health Services: Provides access to medical, dental, and mental health screenings and treatment. • Nutrition: Ensures nutritious meals and snacks to support children's growth and well-being. • Parental Involvement: Engages parents in their children's education and development through workshops, volunteer opportunities, and family support services. Impact of Head Start: Research indicates that Head Start contributes to improved educational outcomes, school readiness, and long-term success for participants. It has been shown to narrow the achievement gap between disadvantaged children and their peers. Challenges and Future Directions: Despite its successes, Head Start faces challenges such as funding constraints, quality assurance, and ensuring equitable access. Continued advocacy, research, and investment are crucial for enhancing and expanding the impact of early childhood interventions like Head Start in supporting vulnerable children and families. 7. Compare and contrast the U.S. approach to childcare and early childhood education with those of other nations mentioned in the text. Answer: U.S. Approach to Childcare and Early Childhood Education: •Privatized System: Predominantly relies on private providers, with limited federal funding for childcare subsidies. •Varied Quality: Quality of childcare and early education varies widely based on affordability and provider qualifications. •Public Programs: Includes Head Start for low-income families and state-funded pre-kindergarten programs, but coverage is limited. •Comparison with Other Nations: •European Countries: Often provide universal or heavily subsidized childcare and early education, emphasizing quality and accessibility. •Nordic Countries: Focus on comprehensive early childhood education and care with strong support for parental leave and family policies. •Canada: Offers universal childcare and early childhood education programs with government subsidies and regulations ensuring quality. •Contrasts: •Funding: U.S. relies more on private funding and parental contributions compared to government-funded models in other nations. •Accessibility: Accessibility to quality childcare and early education is often more limited in the U.S., particularly for low-income families. •Regulations: U.S. has fewer national regulations and standards compared to other nations with more centralized oversight. Impact: Differences in approach contribute to disparities in early childhood outcomes and access to educational opportunities based on socioeconomic status. 8. Describe the Medicare program. What does the author mean when she says that the health care system is not designed to serve the elderly well? Answer: Medicare Program: •Purpose: Federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, and younger individuals with disabilities. •Coverage: Includes hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drug coverage (Part D). •Structure: Operates as a fee-for-service program or through Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurers. •Challenges: Faces funding challenges and gaps in coverage, such as long-term care and dental services, which are crucial for elderly health. •Author's Statement: •The statement that the health care system is not designed to serve the elderly well refers to: •Coverage Gaps: Medicare does not cover certain essential services like long-term care, leading to financial strain and limited access for the elderly. •Cost Burden: High out-of-pocket costs for medications and services not covered by Medicare can be prohibitive for elderly individuals on fixed incomes. •Complexity: Complexity in navigating Medicare plans and options can lead to confusion and barriers in accessing needed healthcare services. Addressing these challenges requires reforms and policies aimed at improving Medicare coverage, reducing cost burdens, and enhancing healthcare access and affordability for the elderly population. 9. Describe some examples of family policies or programs that are still needed to support families. Answer: There are several family policies and programs that are still needed to support families in various aspects of life: 1. Universal Childcare: Affordable and accessible childcare options to support working parents and ensure early childhood development. 2. Paid Family and Medical Leave: Comprehensive paid leave policies for maternity, paternity, and caregiving needs to promote work-life balance and economic stability. 3. Affordable Housing: Policies to ensure access to safe and affordable housing for families, addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. 4. Child Tax Credits and Benefits: Expanded and refundable tax credits and benefits to alleviate financial burdens and support child development. 5. Access to Healthcare: Affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage for families, including mental health services and preventive care. These policies and programs aim to strengthen family well-being, promote economic security, and enhance opportunities for all members across generations. 10. Describe the three themes of the text and illustrate each theme with something specific you have learned over the course. Answer: Themes of the Text: 1. Social Inequality and Disparities: • This theme highlights how social structures and policies contribute to inequalities based on factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender. • Illustration: Learning about disparities in access to healthcare among different racial and ethnic groups, and how these disparities contribute to health outcomes. 2. Family Diversity and Change: • Focuses on the evolving forms of family structures and dynamics influenced by cultural shifts, economic factors, and societal norms. • Illustration: Understanding the complexities of stepfamilies and their unique challenges compared to nuclear families. 3. Life Course Perspective: • Emphasizes how experiences and transitions across various stages of life impact individuals and families, influenced by historical and social contexts. • Illustration: Studying the effects of divorce on children across different developmental stages, and how these impacts vary based on age and family circumstances. These themes collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within families and societies, and how they are shaped by broader social, economic, and cultural forces. Test Bank for Exploring Marriages and Families Karen T. Seccombe 9780205915194, 9780134708201, 9780133807776
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