Full Description
This wide-ranging and accessible survey of poverty in America examines every important facet of the issue, from historical and socioeconomic contributors to poverty to programs, policies, and ideas crafted to reduce income inequality and poverty across the USA. Specific attention is given to shifting ideological views and approaches to poverty and poor relief, major historical actions, statutes, and practices adopted to mitigate poverty's various causes and effects, and trends related to mobility and wealth and income disparity.
Important areas of coverage include the impact of depressions, recessions, economic "booms," and social welfare laws on poverty. Other subjects receiving extensive coverage include the linkage between educational attainment, employment, social capital, family structure, housing security, homeownership, and geography on poverty. Readers will better understand efforts that have been made to alleviate poverty, restore a thriving middle class, and improve prospects for social and economic mobility.
An array of complementary materials on poverty and economic inequality in America are also provided, including a suite of personal essays, a general bibliography, primary documents, glossary of terms, and chronology.
Contents
Preface
1. Background and History
Introduction
Land of Promise
Poverty and Poor Relief in Early America
The Market Revolution
The Rise and Fall of Slavery
Industrialization and Urbanization
The Progressive Era and the 1920s
The Great Depression and the New Deal
The Great Society and the War on Poverty
Welfare Reform and Compassionate Conservativism
The Era of Neoliberalism
The Financial Crisis and the Great Recession
The Rise of New Socialism and Populism
COVID-19, The Great Resignation, and the Continued Growth of Economic Inequality
Socioeconomic Contexts and Geographic Disparities
Conclusion
References
2. Problems, Controversies, and Solutions
Introduction
Problems and Controversies
Defining Poverty
Debating the War on Poverty
Economic Inequality
Race and Poverty
Gender and Poverty
Globalization and Financialization
Trade and Immigration
Rising Housing Costs and Shortages
Wage Stagnation and the Gig Economy
Inflation
Energy Policy
Higher Education Costs and Over Credentialization
Workforce Disconnection
Social Alienation and Addiction
Homelessness
Solutions
Family Support and Affordability
Universal Basic Income
Taxes and Subsidies
Improving Real Wages
Combatting Inflation
Rebuilding Social Capital and Supportive Communities
Reforming Secondary and Higher Education
Conclusion
References
3. Perspectives
Introduction
"The Culture War on Work" Oren Cass
"Child Neglect and Child Poverty—Connections and Distinctions" Sarah A. Font
"Reneging on Gideon: Public Defender Fees as Poverty Penalties" Thora Giallouri
"A Lack of Finances or a Lack of Financial Knowledge? Examining Veteran Poverty" Rebecca Burgess
"Democrats, Republicans, and the Populist Moment" Scot J. Zentner
4. Profiles
Introduction
Individuals
Government Agencies and Programs
Non-Profit Organizations and Programs
5. Data and Documents
Introduction
Data
Documents
Thomas Jefferson, A Bill for the Support of the Poor (1789)
FDR's Message to Congress on the State of the Union Outlining an Economic Bill of Rights (1944)
Lyndon B. Johnson, Special Message to Congress Declaring a War on the Sources of Poverty (1964)
Selections from the Economic Opportunity Act (1964)
Ronald Reagan, Radio Address to the Nation on Welfare Reform (1986)
Selections from the Personal Responsibility & Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (1996)
What We Do Together: The State of Social Capital in America Today, Selections from the Hearing Before the Joint Economic Committee (2017)
Economic Mobility: Is the American Dream in Crisis, Selections from the Hearing before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy (2019)
The Income and Wealth Inequality Crisis in America, Selections from Hearing before the Senate Committee on the Budget (2021)
Bernie Sanders's State of the Working Class Speech (2023)
6. Resources
Books
Articles and Reports
Non-Print Sources
7. Chronology
Glossary
Index
About the Author
