The “Brood Sow” myth states that welfare mothers define welfare economic status favorably
Public Welfare and Family Planning: An Empirical Study of the “Brood Sow” Myth
Paul J. Placek, Gerry E. Hendershot
Social Problems, Volume 21, Issue 5,
https://doi.org/10.2307/799641
Published:
Abstract
The “Brood Sow” myth states that welfare mothers define welfare economic status favorably, are extremely active sexually, refrain from using contraceptives, want to become pregnant, and become pregnant. Data from a sample of 300 welfare mothers were analyzed to test the “Brood Sow” explanation of welfare fertility. No statistically significant differences were found between respondents pregnancy intervals when on welfare and when not on welfare in regard to: (1) their perception of their economic situation, and (2) periods of interruption of sexual intercourse. Statistically significant differences were found indicating that pregnancy intervals while on welfare were characterized by: (3) a greater likelihood of using contraception, (4) less likelihood of defining pregnancies which occurred as wanted, and (5) less likelihood of having a subsequent pregnancy. The findings regarding (1) and (2) are interpreted as providing no support for the “Brood Sow” myth, and the findings regarding (3), (4), and (5) suggest rejection of the myth. Speculations are offered about the connection between being on welfare and being a more successful family planner.
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APA
930 words