In my study, most of the low–income women were unemployed, but they were typically able to rattle off a list of previous low skill jobs they held in the service industry. They had found themselves trapped in a spiral of exhausting low paying work which prevented them from attending courses or attaining the skills that they needed for positions that would offer them higher wages. Further, they had to cover their own childcare and transportation costs. Many decided they were better off not working and collecting their benefits so consequently quit their jobs.

It is hard to find a job today that offers a living wage for those with limited education and few job skills. Richmond (1999) highlighted how New Brunswick society has changed with the advent of technology and how some families have felt the impact. In the past, it was possible for many people to work in unskilled or low-skilled seasonable employment related to the farming, fishing, hunting, or mining industry in this province. One's level of literacy attainment was not as critical as it is today. In modern day society, however, these types of jobs are no longer available. Mechanization has replaced manual labor and some of the natural resources have been depleted so, for example, fewer fishers and hunters are needed.

Key (1998) spoke about the cultural arrogance of social policy makers in unquestionably accepting the "rightness of their philosophical views" (p. 104). She pointed out their need to recognize the "intimidating power of literacy" (p. 104) and understand the underlying conditions between knowledge and power in order to make more informed decisions about public initiatives. Clearly, establishing an open dialogue with those in marginalized positions would be helpful.

In my study, Natalie presents as a powerful example of someone trying desperately to change her life circumstances. In Chapter 4, I highlighted the many barriers she faces with her limited skills for employment and low level of formal education. Existing public policies in Canada serve to discourage low–income individuals from leaving their unemployed position where they receive housing and heating subsidies as well as full health benefits, to go to an employed position where they must cover these expenses plus additional costs of child care and transportation. One obvious problem is that most of these people have less than a high school education, which is often a minimal requirement for employment. They end up in unskilled low paying jobs that do not offer the benefits and so in fact, despite the pay cheque they are in a lower financial position.