-Institutionalization of Marriage and Genetic Counselling-

McWhorter explains that Popenoe often promoted ideals of the "Normal Family," which were implicitly white, heterosexual, middle-class nuclear family. These counseling sessions advised couples on how to achieve a successful marriage and family life, but their advice was steeped in racial and class biases. Black families, facing systemic racism and economic barriers, were often seen as inherently dysfunctional and incapable of achieving these ideals (McWhorter, 2009, p. 252). 

Genetic counselling emerged as part of the eugenics movement, aiming to reduce the prevalence of perceived undesirable traits in the population (Charlot et. al, 2022, p. 493). McWhorter discusses how genetic counseling was often framed as a scientific and humanitarian endeavor, but in practice, it was deeply entwined with racist ideologies. Counselors advised individuals and couples on the genetic "risks" associated with procreation, often discouraging those deemed unfit from having children. This disproportionately affected Black families and other racial minorities, who were frequently pathologized by eugenicists.

McWhorter argues that both genetic and marriage counseling were part of a broader strategy to regulate sexuality and family life in ways that upheld white supremacy and heteronormativity. By pathologizing Black families and other marginalized groups, these practices reinforced social hierarchies and justified discriminatory policies. This period saw the consolidation of the Normal Family as a cultural ideal. 

-Racial Exclusion-

In "Racism and Sexual Oppression in Anglo-America: A Genealogy," Ladelle McWhorter delves into the intertwined histories of racism and sexual oppression, revealing how these forms of social control have mutually reinforced each other. McWhorter traces the genealogy of these oppressions, showing how the exclusion of Black people has been radicalized through various social, political, and economic mechanisms. McWhorter argues that the concept of the "Normal Family" served as a critical tool in this process. From the 1940s to the 1970s, societal norms around family structure were heavily racialized (McWhorter, 2009, p.252). Despite not explicitly excluding racialized families in its definition, the conditions of the time made it virtually impossible for most Black families to be recognized as "normal." This exclusion was maintained through systemic racism, economic disparities, discriminatory housing policies, and unequal access to education and employment opportunities.

The New Deal, a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt between 1933 and 1939, aimed to address the economic devastation of the Great Depression (The National Archives at Seattle, 2016., para. 2). While the New Deal brought significant relief and reform, McWhorter (2009) highlights its complex and often contradictory impacts on racial inequality in the United States (p. 252). For example, many New Deal programs were administered at the state and local levels, where discriminatory practices were deeply entrenched. As a result, African Americans frequently faced barriers to accessing the benefits of these programs (Quadagno 1994, p. 20–21).

Moynihan Report

The Moynihan Report, officially titled "The Negro Family: The Case for National Action," was released in 1965 by Daniel Patrick Moynihan. The report examined the structure of African American families and argued that the high rate of single-parent households among Black families was a significant factor contributing to poverty and social issues in the African American community .

Moynihan suggested that the decline of the nuclear family structure was a result of historical factors, including slavery and systemic discrimination (McWhorter, 2009, p. 288). He called for national action to address these issues, emphasizing the need for social programs and policies that would support family stability and economic opportunity. Furthermore, "Moynihan wanted the Johnson administration to find ways to make the Black Family normal" (Mcwhorter, 2009, p. 289). 

The report has been both influential and controversial, sparking debate over race, family structure, and poverty in America. Critics have argued that it placed blame on Black families while downplaying structural inequalities and systemic racism.

-The Welfare Queen-

The term "welfare queen" emerged in the public imagination and political rhetoric primarily during the late 20th century. It was used to describe and stigmatize African American women who were perceived as abusing the welfare system (McWhorter, 2009, p. 263). McWhorter examines how this stereotype is deeply embedded in racist and sexist ideologies. The "welfare queen" is often depicted as a single Black mother who is lazy, and irresponsible, exploiting government assistance programs at the expense of hard-working taxpayers (McWhorter, 2009, p. 263). This image served multiple purposes:

1. Racial Control: The stereotype reinforced racial hierarchies by portraying Black women as morally and economically deficient. It perpetuated the idea that Black individuals were inherently unfit for the ideals of the "Normal Family," thus justifying their social and economic marginalization.

2. Gender Oppression: The term also targeted women's sexuality and reproductive choices, shaming them for having children out of wedlock and living without a male breadwinner. It enforced traditional gender roles by suggesting that women should be dependent on male providers rather than state assistance.

3. Political Tool: Politically, the "welfare queen" narrative was used to garner support for welfare reform and to cut public assistance programs. By depicting welfare recipients as undeserving, policymakers could justify reducing benefits and implementing stricter eligibility criteria.

McWhorter highlights how these narratives served to distract from structural inequalities and systemic issues that contribute to poverty, such as racial discrimination, lack of access to quality education, and employment opportunities. Instead of addressing these root causes, the focus on the "welfare queen" shifted blame onto individuals, particularly marginalized Black women, thus further perpetuating their oppression (Baekgaard et. al., 2022, p. 594). By understanding the genealogy of the "welfare queen" stereotype, it truly shows how deeply ingrained and harmful such discourses are.