Persistency of Dependence as Indicated by Relief Statistics


 

Publication Date: January 1907

Publisher: Kohn & Pollock Inc.

Author(s): Boris D. Bogen

Research Area: Banking and finance; Social conditions

Keywords: poverty; socio-economic status; social services

Type: Other

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Coincidence of growth of pauperism and the existence of certain forms of relief is not a positive proof of the former being the cause of the latter - there are so many other factors to be taken into consideration.

Pauperism is a subjective condition in which a person prefers and persists in living on charity, loses his respect for self-dependence and has no ambition to obtain, through his own efforts, a more comfortable life. After surveying several Jewish philanthropic institutions that deliver financial relief to applicants in need, sum up our arguments we wish to say, that while the material available is not very extensive in quantity, while all the calculations are only approximately correct, for the facts themselves are not accurately recorded, still there is no doubt that Jewish charity organizations need not be in fear of fostering or promoting pauperism.

The Jewish poor apply for charity only in extreme need and make their utmost endeavor to get along without the interference of any charitable organization as soon as it is possible. We have seen that only a small number of applicants remained on the list for the period of three years, a smaller still are retained for five years. The number of new applications is practically the same for the past five years.

In Proceedings of the 4th National Conference of Jewish Charities, 1906, Kohn & Pollock Inc.