Review of "The American Way of Poverty: How the Other Half Still Lives," by Sasha Abramsky, 2013. New York: Nation Books. Paper, 355 pages.
Good U.S. safety net system… as long as you don’t mind another family living in your basement
As people out there trying to help others, it is essential we develop a better understanding of the current high levels of poverty in this nation and comprehend the terrible living conditions of many Americans. Sasha Abramsky does a very good job of explaining how in the last few decades, especially, politics and public policy have cut back on the resources available to the poor.
It is sad but true: the American poor bear the worst of the challenges when times are hard. Pre-COVID-19 in orientation and design, this book shows many of the issues of poor Americans who had just come through that recession of 2018 and beyond.
Those always most impacted by the bad economy—at any given time—are those who can afford it the least: the American poor. Because they lacked resources going into this crippling situation, they have little to draw upon to survive now that a lot of the resources they need are being removed.
The idea has been—under Bill Clinton (in those good old days) and countless others—that workers can save money on their taxes if social support programs are cut. Giving away less money would mean the government needs to take in less tax money, it is often argued. Moving people from welfare to work is an honorable notion—but only if there is work for them to embrace.
Poor people deserve assistance, we would all agree. And certainly Americans who are working deserve a break, but does it mean they have to house other families in their basements? Share their food and utilities? Raise other people’s children because large families must be broken up into smaller units to be housed in different locations? Share cars, share dollars, share bread—but share what kind of dream?
Abramsky shows the situation of 2012 and 2013—and does offer some good solutions for those times. She also shows the solutions offered by some other people.
As a nation, it is certainly time to come together to help solve the crippling poverty that is eroding at America. As helpers and counselors and teachers and guides, we all deal with students and families who tell what it is like to sleep outdoors, frequent food pantries, scrimp and save to buy just the basics, and then get lectures from people saying they should work harder or find a job or not be so lazy.
In two chapters, especially, Abramsky proposes some great ways to remedy the current situation. In “Shoring Up the Safety Net,” the author shows some of the more ridiculous aspects of the current rules for accessing federal programs like the food stamps so sorely needing by a huge number of Americans. For some Americans, work programs are required if they want to continue receiving benefits like this. For others, there are complications receiving food stamps in addition to health care. Abramsky shows how some of the holes need to be plugged.
In “Boosting Economic Security for the Working Poor,” Abramsky shows some of the crazy shortcomings of current programs. For example, some people are not eligible for certain benefits simply because they have some kind of employment. The problem is that the income may be so very low it does not provide enough resources—like for the person who cannot receive medical assistance but faced with a serious illness and huge bills cannot afford to pay them because their very low salary means they cannot qualify for Medicaid.
Some seriously talented experts really need to be brought in to help on a lot of these programs. For example, income thresholds and other technicalities need to be looked at.
Abramsky has proposed in this important book some very good solutions—including the reasons for the proposed solutions. We as helpers and leaders should champion the cause here, encouraging many other people read this book and consider the solutions proposed. Elected officials, teachers, bankers, business owners, nonprofit organization leaders, clergy, and food pantry staff members should all be considering the solutions provided here by Abramsky.
But should we also as helpers and counselors and educational leaders not be involved in proposing solutions? Does it not make sense for us to offer our assistance in helping the poor navigate the current tough times?
Solving the current disabling situations for the poor—as bad in the inner city as it is in desolate rural settings—and also in decaying older suburbs?
Many of us already volunteer our time and energy for a variety of important causes. Perhaps we can find—or better yet design—a more formal process for addressing the plight of so many poor Americans right now who need a break, need resources, and need hope.
I recommend this book as a good candidate for the personal libraries of advocates, helpers, counselors, and educators.
I recommend it also as a good conversation starter for beginning to form a structure or process or group or system to help lead the way in solving some of the problems and providing some relief. This is a solid pre-COVID-19 approach to dealing with some of the complications of systems needing review.
This is a call to arms, and I challenge others to join in the march.
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For further reading:
“Poverty in America: A Handbook,” 3rd edition, by John Iceland, 2013. Oakland: University of California Press. Cloth, 226 Pages. Iceland is one of the greatest experts on the impact of poverty on American families and how the loss of income and housing tends to progress, from eviction to living in their car, to losing the car when it breaks down, to living in temporary shelters and then tents and then worse. He is insightful and in this important book interviews and gets to know several families who slowly lose everything. Iceland follows up by checking in on some of the Americans he first profiles—the ones he can still find. Some of the original subjects he is never able to locate again.
“The Working Poor: Invisible in America, by David K. Shipler, 2005 reprint edition. Paper, 352 pages. Considered a “seminal work all Americans should read,” this revealing study shows how terrible life is for a huge percentage of our fellow Americans. Not great news, and not a pretty picture, the information in this book makes it clear the nature and value of work have both changed drastically. For understanding more about how many US families live and survive, this is a very insightful book. Shipler has an uncanny sense of the struggles faced by too many Americans. Shipler is a Pullitzer-prize winning author.