An in-depth view of the world of low-wage female workers in the United States. Written by expert authors actively involved in the field, this work provides -- for the first time -- a focused picture of the critical issues, along with realistic solutions in the struggle of working poor women. The book covers a wide range of topics, including getting and keeping a job, struggling to balance the demands of work and family, health care, child care, and unemployment. It is set in the context of both welfare reform and the low-wage labor market and incorporates both self-employment and micro-business enterprise.