The Poverty Paradox: Understanding Economic Hardship Amid American Prosperity

The paradox of poverty amidst plenty has plagued the United States throughout the 21st century. In The Poverty Paradox, Mark Robert Rank develops a unique perspective for understanding this puzzle, defining structural vulnerability as the distinction between those who lose out at the economic game versus why the game produces losers in the first place. He suggests strategies and programs to alleviate poverty, reinforcing the nation's most important values and principles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The United States has grappled with the paradox of poverty amidst plenty throughout the 21st century. Why should the wealthiest country in the world also have the highest rates of poverty among the industrialized nations? In his book, "The Poverty Paradox," Mark Robert Rank, one of the nation's leading authorities, offers a unique perspective for understanding this puzzle. Central to Rank's approach is the concept of structural vulnerability, which distinguishes 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 that place them at a greater risk of impoverishment. However, 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. Rank goes on to detail 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 finally combatting this economic injustice in the years ahead.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190212636