welfare mother

welfare/public assistance client/recipient. Myths, stereotypes, misinformation, and unjustified hostility surround "the welfare mother." For example, although the prevailing public notion is that welfare families are larger than most, those who use public assistance have the same average family size as those who don't. Likewise, although the average person believes that most welfare mothers are black, white women make up an equal percentage of "welfare mothers." "Being a mother is a noble status, right? Right. So why does it change when you put 'unwed' or 'welfare' in front of it?" (Florynce Kennedy, in Ms.). The most egregious "welfare queen" (if there is such a thing) in the country can't possibly compete with white-collar criminals who make millions in fraud, embezzlement, income-tax evasion, offshore banking, and clever accounting. It's astonishing that "she" is regularly demonized, while "they" don't even have a label, much less receive heartfelt public scorn. See also welfare.