Economic Self-Sufficiency: It's Not Just Money

Abstract

Definitions of economic self-sufficiency that are used by public programs fail to recognize the reality and experiences of low-income women. An analysis of data on economic self-sufficiency, gathered from 244 low-income women at the Women's Employment Network in Kansas City, Missouri, resulted in the discovery of four factors underlying this concept: (1) autonomy and self-determination, (2) financial security and responsibility, (3) family and self well-being, and (4) basic assets for living in the community. The policy and practice implications of these findings are explored.