Poverty remains a persistent problem for many women, and certain features of American life serve to keep them in a disadvantaged economic position. The welfare system is so arranged that many of its programs (such as the Work Incentive Program) favor men or (as in the case of Aid to Families with Dependent Children) force poor women to place their children in Day Care Centers even when this violates the mother's wish. In many instances the child care provided is inadequate. Women also suffer employment discrimination and this, coupled with traditional notions of job categories, has kept a disproportionate number of women in positions that pay poorly and offer little prospect of advancement. These institutional forces all tend to perpetuate poverty among women. (WP)