This qualitative research study explores counternarratives to stereotypes and assumptions made about Black women on welfare in low-income, urban communities. Findings, based on in-depth interviews with 33 mothers and grandmothers, challenge perceptions of “welfare queens”—breeders of children, absorbed by the culture of poverty, and disinterested in their children’s education. Participants defy stereotypes by raising children in well-supported family structures while gainfully employed, pursuing educational opportunities, or a combination of the two. The women actively contribute to their communities’ culture of wealth by investing in their children. The paper concludes with recommendations and directions for future research.

这项定性研究研究探索了针对黑人妇女在低收入城市社区中的福利的陈规定型观念和假设的反叙述。调查结果基于对33位母亲和祖母的深入访谈，对“福利皇后”的看法提出了挑战，“福利皇后”是孩子的后代，他们沉迷于贫穷文化，对孩子的教育不感兴趣。参加者通过在有薪工作的同时养育有良好支持的家庭结构中的孩子，追求教育机会或两者结合来克服陈规定型观念。妇女通过投资子女，为社区的财富文化做出了积极贡献。本文最后提出了建议和未来研究的方向。