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Poverty Readings

Posted by Chris Farrell on Thursday, January 24, 2008

I'd love suggestions on books to read or research about poverty in the U.S.

I just finished two useful books: The first is: "The Persistence of Poverty: Why the Economics of the Well-Off Can't Help the Poor", by Charles Karelis. He's a professor of philosophy at George Washington University.

The other is: "Fighting Poverty in the US and Europe: A World of Difference", by Alberto Alesina and Edward L. Glaeser. Both are Harvard University economists.

I'm also looking at three others right now:

"Higher Ground: New Hope for the Working Poor and Their Children" by Greg J. Duncan, Aletha C. Huston, and Thomas S. Weiner.

"Working and Poor: New Economic and Policy Changes Are Affecting Low-Wage Workers" editors Rebecca M. Blank, Sheldon H. Danziger, and Robert F. Schoeni.

"Mobility and Inequality" edited by Stephen L. Morgan, David B. Grusky, and Gary S. Fields

Comments (3)

bsimon:

The only one that comes to mind is 'Nickel and Dimed' by Barbara Ehrlich (sp?). She may have a followup out since that was published. Glad to hear that 'Persistence' is worthwhile, its on my short list.

Posted by bsimon | January 24, 2008 11:16 AM

Mark:

It's not exactly what you are looking for, but I'd suggest you take a look at William Vollmann's book Poor People that came out last year.

Vollmann won the National Book Award in '05 and is an impressive writer, particularly regarding moral issues like violence, war, and poverty.

You won't come away with a big batch of facts and figures to rattle off, but it's a fascinating fairly quick read.

Posted by Mark | January 28, 2008 8:33 PM

Kim Strausser:

Not a book on poverty, but a book that explores satisfaction with what one has-The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. It is quick to read and a mostly lighthearted look at the possible relationship between happiness, location, money (or envy of it), and perception of success.

Posted by Kim Strausser | February 2, 2008 2:36 PM

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