William Tucker

Many people contend that the welfare system has helped create a culture of illegitimacy. In the following viewpoint, William Tucker argues that prior to its reform in 1996, the welfare system made it possible for unmarried women to support their children without the aid of a husband. According to Tucker, the values promoted by welfare were especially devastating to African-American families, which until the 1950s had adopted traditional Christian attitudes toward marriage and parenting. He asserts that for welfare reform to succeed, marriage and the formation of two-parent families must be encouraged. Tucker is the New York correspondent for the American Spectator, a conservative monthly periodical.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the author's view, how will two-parent families help reduce teen pregnancy"
2. What are the three models of marriage in Africa, according to...