Review the essay: A Nation of Welfare families by Stephanie Coontz
Then, Response to the following questions:
1. What is Coontz's thesis in this essay? Where do you find it?
2. Most people think of welfare as consisting of direct payments to the poor. In titling this essay "A Nation of Welfare Families," Coontz is contra- dicting the common notion of welfare. What kinds of benefits fall under Coontz's definition of welfare?
3. According to Coontz, how have U.S. government policies in the past dis- criminated against the poor and minorities?
4. In what ways does Coontz's essay challenge the "myth" of rugged individualism?
5. What does Coontz think is the proper role of government?
6. What is Coontz's purpose in this essay? What attitudes or behaviors is she trying to change?