Broke in America: Seeing, Understanding, and Ending US Poverty

Broke in America is a valuable resource in the fight against poverty, providing an exploration of why so many Americans are struggling financially and offering possible remedies. The book highlights the ways the current system is broken and how it fails to meet the needs of low-income families and individuals, and offers concrete steps readers can take to end poverty for good.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: BenBella Books

Broke in America: How Circumstances and Public Policy Conspire to Keep People Poor, and the Concrete Steps We Can Take to End Poverty for Good is a groundbreaking book that has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. It is a valuable resource in the fight against poverty, providing an exploration of why so many Americans are struggling financially and offering a down-to-earth overview of the causes and effects of poverty and possible remedies.

According to the book, nearly 40 million people in the United States live below the poverty line, with a family of four earning approximately $26,200. Low-income families and individuals are scattered across cities and rural communities, and poverty is often viewed as a personal failure or a lack of character or knowledge. However, the book argues that poverty is, in fact, the result of bad policy.

Public policy has purposefully erected barriers that deny access to basic needs, creating a society where people can easily become trapped. This is not because we lack the resources to lift them out of poverty, but because we are actively choosing not to. Poverty is particularly close to inevitable for low-wage workers and their children, and a significant percentage of these people, despite qualifying for government aid, do not receive it.

The book offers an eye-opening and galvanizing look at life in poverty in the United States. It explores how circumstances and public policy conspire to keep people poor, and provides concrete steps that we can take to end poverty for good. The authors, Joanne Samuel Goldblum and Colleen Shaddox, draw on their extensive experience and expertise to provide a comprehensive and practical guide for policymakers, activists, and individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of those who are struggling financially.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of investing in education and job training programs. The authors argue that providing access to education and training can help individuals escape the cycle of poverty and achieve economic stability. They also highlight the need for policies that promote job creation and support small businesses, as these are often the sources of employment for low-income workers.

Another important aspect of the book is the need for social safety nets and support services. The authors argue that poverty is not just a financial problem, but also a social and emotional one. They advocate for policies that provide a safety net for individuals and families in times of crisis, such as unemployment insurance, food assistance, and healthcare.

The book also addresses the issue of systemic racism and discrimination, which contribute to poverty and inequality. The authors argue that policies that promote diversity and inclusion can help break the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society.

In conclusion, Broke in America: How Circumstances and Public Policy Conspire to Keep People Poor, and the Concrete Steps We Can Take to End Poverty for Good is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the causes and effects of poverty and working towards a more just and equitable society. It is a valuable resource in the fight against poverty, providing a comprehensive and practical guide for policymakers, activists, and individuals who are committed to making a difference. By investing in education, job training, social safety nets, and addressing systemic racism and discrimination, we can break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for all.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781950665464