FAMILY PATTERNS OF THE POOR: TESTIMONY PRESENTED TO THE NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON CIVIL DISORDERS.

The article focuses on family patterns of the poor. It is opined that there are a number of family patterns that are more characteristic of the poor than of the non-poor. Prominent among these family patterns are consensual marriage and other man-woman relationships; separation of marital partners; a high official rate of illegitimate childbirth; and many female-headed families. These patterns do play a part, contributing, for example, to more delinquency. Family patterns among the poor are an adaptation to their deprived circumstances. The poor are hemmed in by deprivation and discrimination--and they usually find that they can't get ahead, that opportunities are not open to them, and that the good life is not for them. It is believed that the poor must adapt to the conditions they face. There is a preference for the conventional family patterns, but also an acceptance of the alternatives one must pursue in order to adapt to deprived circumstances-and in this way poor people find it possible to live with their conscience and their economic uncertain ties.