Abstract This paper looks at how, as the people living below the poverty line increases, so does the percentage of women. It argues that social welfare programs continue to be needed to address the feminization of poverty. The first part of the paper examines key indicators of this ?feminization,? including the salary gap between men and women and other indicators of women's ?economic well-being.? The next part then looks at the arguments of welfare reform proponents, who cite the need to move low-income women with children from receiving welfare to gainful employment. The last part of this paper argues that welfare reforms are misguided, since many circumstances in addition to lack of motivation contribute to the inability of many women to ?work their way out of poverty.? Welfare reform programs that fail to address these needs will thus only result in more poverty for society, in general, and for women, in particular.
From the Paper "The welfare reform law placed strict time limits on how long families can receive the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). There was now a two-year limit on how long a family can continue to receive continuous welfare assistance. After this two year period, the adults were required to find employment. More importantly, there was also a five-year lifetime limit on how long the family can receive welfare assistance. If they go over this figure, families will no longer be eligible to receive federal aid. The change was further emphasized when the AFDC program was re-named Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF (Levinson, Reardon and Smith 1999)."
Abstract This paper examines how most social workers, politicians and those of the general public who support the welfare state do so in part because they believe welfare programs help to reduce the rate of poverty. It looks at how a growing number of critics assert that such programs in fact fail to decrease poverty, because too small a share of transfers actually reaches the poor, or because such programs create a welfare/poverty trap, or because they weaken the economy. It proposes a study to assess the effects of social-welfare policy extensiveness on poverty rates.
Outline
Discussion
Pros of Raising Income Taxes to Redistribute Income to the Poor
Cons of Lowering Taxes and Reducing the Amount Available for Income Redistribution.
Pros of Reducing Income Taxes
Cons of Reducing Income Taxes
Proposals
Ways of Funding Social-Insurance (Welfare) Programs
Conclusion
From the Paper "Reducing the amount of transfer payments ultimately will increase levels of both poverty and the maladies that are associated with it. Infant and child mortality, increased crime, lack of participation in society in general, and increased medical expenses born ultimately by society can all be the results of decrease social spending (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities web site). To quote a study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: ?Social insurance programs moved 1.4 million children out of poverty. Federal taxes, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, (EITC), lifted another one million children out of poverty. It is striking that taxes were nearly as effective as social insurance programs in moving children out of poverty because taxes alone would be expected to increase rather than reduce poverty."
Abstract This article examines poverty and welfare in terms of public policy in the United States. The writer looks at the causes of poverty. The purpose of public welfare policies are discussed in this paper. The writer argues that the working poor should receive more in child care, training and transportation.
From the Paper "Some eight years ago, Americans ended welfare as they knew it. To judge from their silence on the subject during the election they have never looked back. In his book titled 'American Dream Three Women Ten Kids and a Nation's Drive to End Welfare' Jason DeParle commented that welfare is a subject filled with biases and argued the harshness of the low-wage economy and the turmoil of poor people's lives required a federal safety net not one torn by ... "
Abstract The premise of this paper is that the program of welfare reform has done more harm than good in the Dallas, Texas area. The purpose of welfare reform is to reduce the number of people in the United States that receive public assistance. The paper focuses on the effects that welfare reform has had on the children in the Dallas, Texas area and supports the hypothesis that a more comprehensive approach is more effective than programs in the past that only concentrated on one aspect of the problem. The paper concludes that addressing one aspect of the poverty problem does not represent long-term solutions. The culture of the neighborhood has to be changed before the problem can be effectively addressed.
Outline:
Scope of the Problem
Solutions for the Children
The problem of Housing
Welfare to Wwork
Conclusion
Works cited
From the Paper "After the implementation welfare reform, poverty in the Dallas area grew to almost 2% of the nearly 632,676 families living in the Dallas area (Appleton, 1A). One must remember that this number only reflects the number of families, and does not tell us anything about the number of children and its effects on them. Over the past ten years and the number of persons living below the poverty line in the Dallas area has grown by over 17% (Appleton, 1A). Welfare reform did have an effect of reducing the number of households on public assistance from 4% in 1990 to 2% in 2002 (Appleton, 1A). However, it did nothing to reduce the number of persons actually living below the poverty line. For some it made this situation worse because they were still below the poverty line, only now they had fewer means of support."
Tags: gautreaux, pta, annie, e., casey, foundation, distressed, neighborhoods, poverty, ocbf, lower, income
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the "culture of poverty", both in the past and in contemporary society. The paper focuses on defining welfare policies as they perpetuate or break the cycle of poverty. The paper also looks at the concept of a culture of poverty, including attitudes toward money and the money-less.
From the Paper "The culture of poverty was a phrase coined during the ... that provides a psychological explanation of poverty and the poor. There are many definitions of poverty, but one of the most common equates poverty with deprivation..."
Abstract This paper discusses how when the idea of welfare reform first took hold a few years ago many states jumped at the chance to implement its practices. It looks at how they hoped that by adopting and implementing welfare reform they could improve the financial situation their current system was in as well as improve the lives of those who were welfare participants. It shows how urban areas faced different challenges than rural areas when it came to welfare reform and how those challenges sometimes caused the participants to fall through the cracks of the system and be lost. In particular, it discusses one major metropolitan area that has implemented welfare reform policies, Philadelphia. It evaluates how the reforms that were implemented since 1997 in Philadelphia outline several mandates that must be followed or the recipient faces the loss not only of their benefits but the eventual loss of their family's benefits as well. It analyzes whether five years on, these reforms have been effective and the effect they have had on the poverty stricken families in the Philadelphia area.
Outline
Statement of the problem
Definition of terms
Literature Review
Methodology
Data Collection
Future Use of Results
Conclusion
From the Paper "For many years the poverty stricken families in the Philadelphia area turned to welfare for their needs. The lack of housing and jobs and training caused them to become dependant on the system. As children grew up watching the adults model life on the welfare roles the children then applied as soon as they became adults without even trying to establish an independent welfare free life. The multigenerational welfare families were stuck in a vicious circle that seemed difficult to tackle(Welfare, 1997). The welfare reform mandates and guidelines were implemented to cap the number of years a family could remain dependant on the system."
Abstract This paper examines the solutions to poverty. It argues that the words "welfare reform" are often thrown around by policy-makers as a way to rile up support for either side. It discusses how, rarely are the true implications of such a policy considered. Beyond this, most leaders in America spew rhetoric that restricts people below the poverty line to a life of poverty.
From the Paper "More than six years ago President Clinton signed into law the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996. Michael J. New asserts that the PRWORA was the first welfare reform legislation that made a difference. The legislation warranted fierce debate in both the House and Senate. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle felt that the work requirements were too harsh an even labeled them "extremist." (New, 2) The conservatives under the leadership of Newt Gingrich were victorious, and the historic legislation was passed into law on August 10, 1996. Since that time, the national debate has widened into discussions on PRWORA's impact on gender, race, and non-citizens. Before these issues can be addressed, though, one must examine the mandates of the bill."
Tags: act, baucus, credit, education, immigrants, income, poverty, tax, work
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that welfare reform was a turning point in American history. The writer points out that millions of Americans who were relying on an unending supply of government money to live on were suddenly faced with the reality that the welfare clock was ticking. Mothers who had simply relied on having children as a means of support had to now go out and actively look for a job, participate in job training, and in some instances, do both. The writer maintains that when one considers the positive statistics of a reduced percentage of people living in poverty and reduced numbers on the welfare rolls, apparently welfare reform was just the motivation many needed to take that step forward and become productive members of society. The writer concludes that even those who still must rely on other government programs to make ends meet have still evolved from relying solely on taxpayer money as their only means of subsistence.
From the Paper "The stated goals of reducing poverty levels in the United States have come to fruition, over the last decade. From 1968 to 1994, the poverty rate among African Americans was a fairly consistent rate, averaging 32.4 percent. By 2000, this rate had fallen to 22.5 percent. Child poverty too has seen big drops. The number of children in poverty has fallen 12 percent for non-Hispanics, since 1989, and 14 percent for African Americans. Although some critics claim that these positive steps towards reducing poverty have more to do with economic growth and prosperity in the country, it is not the entire explanation. Even following the recession in 2001, many poverty rates remained well below previous levels. In 2004, the poverty rate for African Americans was 24.7 percent."
The paper explains the factors and issues that contribute to poverty in America. Using up-to-date figures, it details the many reasons why so many children are living in poverty and how that affects their lives in areas such as education and family life.
Abstract This paper details how poverty in America is a never ending problem, where currently 40% of all U.S. children are at risk. The author explains who there are several risk factors raise the risk level such as single parent homes, lack of education, ethnic backgrounds and low income levels. This paper examines these and other risk factors and proposes solutions that can help break the cycle of poverty.
From the Paper "Despite being the wealthiest and most powerful nation on Earth, the United States has a poverty rate that is two to three times greater than other advanced industrial nations. According to the US Census Bureau, 37% of all children in America live in low-income households, and 13.8% live in poverty. Today 15 million children in the United States live below the poverty line. Every day more than 2,600 children are born into poverty with 27 dying as a direct result of it. The bureau also contends that one in five children under the age of three live in a state of poverty. Over 2.1 million children who are poor face the likelihood of impaired development both mentally and physically, as food may not be readily available. Roughly 25% of all minors go hungry or run the risk of being hungry in poor tenements."
Abstract This paper discusses how poverty does not mean being deprived of certain goods, but it depends on the norm for the time and place in which you live. It examines the principles established by Rowntree and Beveridge that lead to the introduction of the welfare state in the United Kingdom. The discussion covers the success of the state in defining and eradicating poverty and its sources include Oxfam, Harrington, Wilkinson, Rowntree, Beveridge and Karl Marx.
From the Paper "Poverty also means being treated as a second-class citizen by the rest of society, even Hollywood suggested, ?there is no nobility in poverty anymore ?. Elucidated in terms of relative poverty, as discussed by Townsend , who wrote that people are in poverty ?when they lack the resources to obtain the type of diet, participate in the activities, and have the living conditions which are customary, or at least widely encouraged and approved, in the societies to which they belong.? Townsend is writing about a relative deprivation, based on observations that participation in certain everyday activities varied little between income groups but fell off rapidly below a certain level of income; these people falling below the subsistence level that would provide a conventional lifestyle."
Abstract This paper presents a brief on the issue of urban poverty in, Toronto, Canada's largest city. Specifically, the paper argues that poverty must be addressed quickly - both through an improved remedial education system and via an improved social welfare safety net that distributes monies more efficiently. The paper explores the matter within an international context and suggests that urban poverty is a problem Toronto can overcome, even if other cities have faltered in combating it.
Table of Contents:
Issue
Analysis
Recommendations
From the Paper "Thirdly, the city of Toronto has no justification for not turning its many brown fields into sites whereupon affordable apartment complexes for low-income individuals can be built. This would be an effective use of available land, would allow the city to make a profit, and would reduce the strain upon the city's over-burdened social welfare and shelter programs. Of all of the recommendations outlined above, giving the less-fortunate the tools they need to fend for themselves is the most productive measure the city can enact if only one option is available."
Abstract Discusses differences in ideologies and views about the role of government. Explores the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act in 1996 that shifted welfare policy to the conservative view.
From the Paper "Poverty and welfare are generally interdependent, for it is the poor who welfare programs aim to help. The debate among conservatives and liberals over poverty and welfare involves distinct disagreements, ..."
Abstract This paper studies the Sanford F. Schram book "Words of Welfare," in which Schram offers new perspectives on welfare policy in America. The book maintains that poverty is a human condition and society as a whole has a responsibility for eradicating it. The author of this paper agrees wholeheartedly with Schram, insisting that lawmakers and opinion-shapers must read this book.
From the Paper "In 'Words of Welfare' there is a new thesis proposed by Schram regarding the importance of certain neglected dimensions of welfare policy. This is however viewed to be only symbolic, and the various symbols or interpretations mentioned during lectures on welfare policies and practices are both in terms of words and arguments. The federal government has spent large amounts of money on research on social sciences, but in spite of this there has been no reduction in poverty. If anything, poverty has only increased in the fast few years. Schram has mentioned that the reason for this is probably that the entire welfare policy is now serving the needs of the government, rather than the people."
Abstract This paper looks at the realities behind the remarkable success story of the U.S. Welfare Reforms. The statistics show huge gains in employment and standard of living, but this paper shows that many of the improvements are temporary and not always correct in real terms i.e. U.S. median wage same as it was 27 years ago. Also discussed are race issues, how it is easier for whites to move out of welfare, whilst for ethnic minorities it can be seen as punitive. The paper contains many governmental figures and independent statistics showing alternative realities.
From the paper:
?The Welfare Reform Act of 1996 looks like a smashing success: it has successfully reduced welfare rolls by more than half, and cut the number of welfare recipients from 4.6 million to 2.4 million in 1999. Many welfare recipients have left the system. Instead of receiving cash grants, parents had to learn skill sand enter the labor force. They also faced a five-year lifetime limit for welfare assistance.
"But numbers are never simple. The truth is that few are thriving in this new system. The numbers show success, but if one looks beneath the surface to find out if women have truly become self-sufficient, a different story emerges. In many ways, the welfare reform act is a broken promise. Women have not truly received help to access decent jobs, and have not gained economic independence.?
Abstract The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) was the most dramatic change in American policy towards the poor since the New Deal. The federal government abolished welfare entitlements, instead instituting a system of block grants to the states called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Parents were obligated to find work within two years of their first receipt of welfare benefits and could not receive welfare benefits for more than five years total. This paper first examines why the current work requirements were included in the welfare reform legislation. Second, it considers the negative impact these work requirements have had on the poor. Finally, it offers an alternative that provides more flexibility for welfare recipients to gain self-sufficiency.
From the Paper "The original advocates of the welfare reforms were wrong when they argued that post-secondary education would only be used as a method to escape work requirements. On the contrary, research notes that those welfare recipients interested in secondary education are generally a self-selected highly motivated group (Gruber, 1998). Education should not be denied from anyone ? especially those that are severely disadvantaged due to their lack of education. Even if individuals are using education as a means to avoid work, so what? In the end, the result will be a more educated populace that can achieve sustained self-sufficiency. Is this not the ultimate goal?"
