The Poverty Paradox: Understanding Economic Hardship Amid American Prosperity

The paradox of poverty amid prosperity has plagued the United States throughout the 21st century: Why should the wealthiest country in the world also have the highest rates of poverty among the industrialized nations? Based on the decades-long research and scholarship, one of the nation’s leading authorities provides the answer. The Poverty Paradox develops a unique perspective for understanding this puzzle. The approach is known as structural vulnerability. Central to this new way of thinking is the distinction between those who lose out at the economic game and why the game produces losers in the first place. Americans experiencing poverty tend to have certain characteristics placing them at a greater risk of impoverishment. Yet poverty results not from these factors, but rather from a lack of sufficient opportunities in society. In particular, the shortage of decent-paying jobs and a strong safety net are paramount. Based on this understanding, this book details a variety of strategies and programs to effectively alleviate poverty in the future. Implementing these policies has the added benefit of reinforcing several of the nation’s most important values and principles. The Poverty Paradox represents a game changing examination of poverty and inequality. It provides the essential blueprint for combatting this economic injustice in the years ahead.