Work and the Well-Being of Poor Families with Children
When Work is Not Enough
Abstract
A 2023 Choice Reviews Outstanding Academic Title
This work assesses the possibilities and limitations of reducing poverty among families with children by increasing the work effort of the adults in those families. Following a historical review of family poverty since 1995, the authors present several policy simulations, including increased employment, a higher minimum wage, more generous tax credits, a child allowance, and reduced childcare or medical expenses. Specific policy proposals—including the proposals of the Biden Administration—are assessed using four criteria: reducing child poverty; equitable treatment of the poorest groups; promotion of self-sufficiency; and cost-effectiveness. The authors conclude that while no single policy is able to reduce family poverty by half while meeting the other criteria, several combinations of policies have the potential to do so.
Schlagworte
Poverty Social Welfare Safety Net Child Poverty Living Wage Supplemental Poverty Measure Working Poor- i–xii Preface i–xii
- 1–12 Introduction 1–12
- 163–168 Conclusion 163–168
- 169–186 Bibliography 169–186
- 187–196 Index 187–196
- 197–198 About the Authors 197–198