In 2008, more than one in eight Americans—39.8 million people—were poor. But who? Our researchers study poverty’s demographics to understand who is poor, size up the poverty gap, and examine poverty trends and dynamics using both the official and alternative measures of poverty.
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Place reinforces poverty. High-poverty neighborhoods can weigh down families trying to earn a living and raise kids. High crime, low-performing schools, and scarce job opportunities often plague poor communities—undermining families’ struggles to improve their lives.
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Homelessness, poor health, hunger—poverty’s consequences can be severe. Growing up in poverty can harm children’s well-being and development and limit their opportunities and academic success. And poverty imposes huge costs on society through lost productivity and higher spending on health care and incarceration.
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What works for fighting poverty? Our researchers study the effects of welfare reform, tax subsidies, Social Security, workforce development policies, and other anti-poverty programs. What could help? Social Security lifts many older adults out of poverty, but it needs an updated minimum benefit sufficient to raise all long-career, low-wage workers out of poverty. Public program rules that discourage poor families from saving and run counter to poverty reduction should be changed.
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MARTHA R. BURT, DEMETRA SMITH NIGHTINGALE
The rising poverty and unemployment rates triggered by the recession are stark reminders of the need for a secure social safety net. Such programs should provide economic security, protect vulnerable families, and promote equality—but the United States falls behind other countries in accomplishing these goals. In Repairing the U.S. Social Safety Net, Martha R. Burt and Demetra Smith Nightingale encourage strengthening the safety net and making a national commitment to end poverty.
Publication Date: December 30, 2009
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