Poverty in America: What the Data Reveal

Publication Date: December 1985

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): S. Anna Kondratas

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: Welfare

Type: Report

Abstract:

The most important actions against poverty are those policies that trigger economic growth. Yet growth alone will not eliminate poverty, though without growth poverty will never be alleviated and will be certain to increase. And much poverty is beyond the government's ability to alleviate, such as that poverty caused by personal decisions leading to illegitimacy, divorce, or dropping out of school. As such, Americans must be realistic about their government's ability to deal with poverty. Realistic data must be used. Realistic goals must be set.