Stories by Amy DePaul

Amy DePaul is a writer and college instructor who lives in Irvine, Calif. Her articles have appeared in The Washington Post and many other newspapers. subscribe to Amy DePaul's feed

A Photographer's Mission to Show That Breast Cancer Is More Than Pink Ribbons

Posted on: Apr 2, 2012, Source: AlterNet

In this Q&A with photographer David Jay, he says he hopes his photos raise awareness of the realities of breast cancer, which are too often hidden "behind a little pink ribbon."

Mad Women: Wives and Daughters of the Greatest Generation

Posted on: Jun 28, 2011, Source: InterviewNerd

A new book probes the myths and reality of 'The Feminine Mystique,' the groundbreaking book that revolutionized our ideas about women's lives.

Marriage on the Decline: Bad Economy Turns More and More People Off of Matrimony

Posted on: Dec 3, 2010, Source: AlterNet

Marriage has become yet another dividing line between the haves, who still adhere to the conventional sequence of love-marriage-baby, and the have-nots.

Why Is College So Expensive? The War on Public Universities

Posted on: Sep 8, 2010, Source: AlterNet

The war on public universities began decades ago, and recent state budget cuts are the latest assault.

Why Do Red States Have the Worst "Family Values"?

Posted on: Aug 2, 2010, Source: Bookslut

The "red family system" preaches early marriage and traditional gender roles -- a model no longer suited to our post-industrial economy. No wonder "red families" are falling apart.

Teacher Sued For Bashing Christianity -- Will Others Be Censored?

Posted on: Mar 26, 2010, Source: AlterNet

A teacher in California was found to have violated a student’s First Amendment rights by disparaging religion in the classroom. The ruling could silence outspoken teachers.

Evangelicals Divorce More Often Than "Godless" Europeans? Exploring America's Strange Relationship With Marriage

Posted on: Sep 14, 2009, Source: Bookslut

Why do Americans have such contradictory impulses when it comes to wedlock?

You May Kiss the Bride: Government Is Still Pushing Marriage

Posted on: May 31, 2009, Source: AlterNet

Social conservatives scored a victory when the Obama Administration decided to keep a Bush program promoting marriage.

Is Marriage the Problem Rather than the Solution?

Posted on: Jan 15, 2009, Source: Bookslut

Author Nancy Polikoff discusses how to change the law so that all families get the legal protections of marriage.

The Rise of Arranged Marriage in America

Posted on: Aug 8, 2008, Source: AlterNet

Advocates of assisted marriage say it maintains tradition. Critics point to gender inequities and an unhealthy preoccupation with ethnic purity.

Unintended Pregnancy Down Among Teens But Up for Young Adults

Posted on: Sep 13, 2007, Source: AlterNet

Why an increasing number of 20-somethings are rolling the dice and getting pregnant.

The Expensive Failure of Abstinence Education

Posted on: May 30, 2007, Source: AlterNet

The Bush administration's point man for conservative -- and often morality-driven -- social policy, such as abstinence-only sex education, has resigned. But only time will tell whether his programs remain federal policy.

'Born-Again Virginity' in the Age of Girls Gone Wild

Posted on: Mar 19, 2007, Source: AlterNet

Born-again virginity has been repeatedly debunked. Why, then, do so many continue to embrace the chastity pledge?

New Fatherhood Initiative Leaves Some Dads in the Cold

Posted on: Jan 30, 2007, Source: AlterNet

The Bush Administration's new initiative to improve fatherhood in America raises questions about how best to strengthen families: by encouraging parenting skills or by promoting marriage?

Daughters of the Iranian Revolution

Posted on: May 17, 2006, Source: WireTap

Unlike their Iranian-born parents, Persian-American women are not longing for a lost homeland. But they still feel torn between cultures.

Day Care Workers Flex Their Muscle

Posted on: May 14, 2006, Source: AlterNet

Unions are encouraging America's huge (and hugely underpaid) child-care work force to fight for a living wage.

Over-Achievers With Low Self-Esteem

Posted on: Mar 27, 2006, Source: WireTap

A look into the conflicted inner lives of young women who appear to kick ass everywhere -- in school and on the soccer field -- while secretly struggling with self-worth.

The Fatherhood Demotion

Posted on: Jun 16, 2005, Source: AlterNet

The Republicans' new set of welfare reforms emphasize fatherhood in the context of marriage -- at the expense of economic issues.

The New G.I. Janes: Damsel to Dominatrix

Posted on: May 19, 2005, Source: AlterNet

A former Naval Academy instructor talks about the little-known experiences of female soldiers in Iraq and the U.S. military, from serving in combat to interrogating captives.

Hello, Minimum Wage

Posted on: Apr 6, 2005, Source: AlterNet

Congress is expected to pass reforms to make it tougher for single mothers receiving welfare to gain access to job skills or higher education. It's all part of the work-first philosophy that puts jobs ahead of economic sustainability.