An economic divide: What are the myths about poverty in the United States? 🔊

The COVID-19 pandemic in America has exposed distinct economic divides throughout the country. But much of the issue of poverty in the US is based on public images rather than empirical evidence. What are the myths about poverty in the US? Can a better understanding of the nature and causes of poverty help change public policy preferences? Doug Becker spoke with Mark Robert Rank, Lawrence M. Eppard and Peter Edelman.

Mark Robert Rank is a Professor of Social Welfare at Washington University, St Louis. He is an expert in poverty and inequality and is the author of Living on the Edge: The Realities of Welfare in America.

Lawrence M. Eppard is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Shippensburg University. He is an expert in poverty and social welfare and is the author of Rugged Individualism and the Misunderstanding of American Inequality.

Peter Edelman is a Professor of Law and Public Policy at Georgetown University. He is an expert in poverty law and is the author of So Rich, So Poor: Why It’s So Hard to End Poverty in America.

Podcast:

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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guests and not necessarily the views of The Big Q.

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