Teen Women in Action: A Case of Theoretical Praxis in the Daily Lives of Young Women

Abstract

Outside of academia, there is no one job description or standard role for applied anthropologists. We work in various roles and divergent occupations, contributing anthropological knowledge and skills in our chosen realms. I chose advocacy and action aimed at improving the lives of women, particularly low income women living in urban settings. I have approached this role in phases—combining intense research, critical hands-on learning, community orientation, action and advocacy. Throughout this ongoing process, theory and practice have metamorphosed from separate entities into a united state of theoretical praxis. The initial phase of intense research revolved around social policy and problems related to low income women living in urban areas. At this juncture, the welfare reform policy was of particular interest and became the focus of my research. A detailed analysis of the 1996 legislation, the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), including an analysis of its provisions, economic saliency for recipients, and scholarly contributions to the issue, brought me to the conclusion that much needed to be done in this realm to work toward economic self sufficiency and justice for women.