From the author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Arab and Jew, an intimate portrait unfolds of working American families struggling against insurmountable odds to escape poverty.
As David K. Shipler makes clear in this powerful, humane study, the invisible poor are engaged in the activity most respected in American ideology—hard, honest work. But their version of the American Dream is a nightmare: low-paying, dead-end jobs; the profound failure of government to improve upon decaying housing, health care, and education; the failure of families to break the patterns of child abuse and substance abuse. Shipler exposes the interlocking problems by taking us into the sorrowful, infuriating, courageous lives of the poor—white and black, Asian and Latino, citizens and immigrants. We encounter them every day, for they do jobs essential to the American economy.
This impassioned book not only dissects the problems, but makes pointed, informed recommendations for change. It is a book that stands to make a difference.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"As a culture, the United States is not quite sure about the causes of poverty, and is therefore uncertain about the solutions," he writes. Though he details many ways in which current assistance programs could be more effective and rational, he does not believe that government alone, nor any other single variable, can solve the problem. Instead, a combination of things are required, beginning with the political will needed to create a relief system "that recognizes both the society's obligation through government and business, and the individual's obligation through labor and family." He does propose some specific steps in the right direction such as altering the current wage structure, creating more vocational programs (in both the public and private sectors), developing a fairer way to distribute school funding, and implementing basic national health care.
Prepare to have any preconceived notions about those living in poverty in America challenged by this affecting book. --Shawn Carkonen
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 0375708219-11-25466458
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. Seller Inventory # 353-0375708219-new
Book Description Condition: New. pp. xii + 329 Index. Seller Inventory # 26738031
Book Description Condition: New. pp. xii + 329. Seller Inventory # 8191280
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0375708219
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0375708219
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0375708219
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. reprint edition. 329 pages. 7.00x5.25x0.75 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __0375708219
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # Hafa_fresh_0375708219
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0375708219