In this penetrating examination of the reasons behind women's poverty in the United States, Pamela D. Couture argues that a logic of interdependence, informed by a feminist reappropriation of the classical theological tradition of Luther and Wesley, offers a basis for a more responsive, and responsible, family policy of "universalized care." Blessed Are the Poor? argues that the language of a long-standing American tradition--self sufficiency--has informed American family policy and has in turn contributed to the growth of women's poverty.