Dismantling Misrepresentations of Food Stamp Recipients
An anti-SNAP campaign in Washington, D.C., and proposed legislation to reduce the social safety net are both feeding off well-worn myths around welfare recipients.
Welfare
Is the IRS Ready for a 'Tax War on Poverty'?
The Earned Income Tax Credit is now the biggest (and most popular) anti-poverty program in the country. But can the Internal Revenue Service handle an even bigger EITC?
The Failure of Food Journalism
When agribusiness claims to practice "humane" treatment, we must ask for a higher burden of proof.
Do Food Stamps Really Discourage Work?
Hundreds of thousands of the poorest Americans will lose their food stamps this year. What will become of them?
Is Federalism the Answer to Poverty in America?
Republicans want to give states more control over education, health care, welfare, and, well, everything.
The Future of Work: Why Wage Work Can't Solve the Poverty Problem
The latest entry in a special project in which business and labor leaders, social scientists, technology visionaries, activists, and journalists weigh in on the most consequential changes in the workplace.
Making It in America
What it's like to survive on developing-world wages in the developed world.
What Happens When States Require Welfare Recipients to Take Drug Tests?
Looking for answers in the research.
Are We Talking Enough About the Black Middle Class?
When it comes to racial inequality, most of the political conversation centers on black poverty. But this ignores a segment of black America that has attained some measure of success and is being held back from achieving more.
The 30 Top Thinkers Under 30: Xu Tan, 29, Economics
For the month of April we're profiling the individuals who made our inaugural list of the 30 top thinkers under 30, the young men and women we predict will have a serious impact on the social, political, and economic issues we cover every day here at Pacific Standard.
American Child Welfare Ruins Lives, Here’s Your Receipt
There's one way to enter the child-welfare system and make it out in one piece: luck.
Should a Drug Conviction Mean a Lifetime Ban on Food Stamps?
A new report from The Sentencing Project assesses the damage of a Clinton-era policy.
Low Glucose Liberals: Hungry People Are More Supportive of Welfare
New research confirms that hungry people are more supportive of social welfare programs. But that doesn’t mean they’re actually more likely to share.
Before You Cut Them, Know That Food Stamps Worked as Promised
As calls to cut the U.S. food stamp program are growing shriller, know that their explosive growth and wide distribution during the recession was built in as a feature, not a defect.
Before-Lunch Liberals: Hunger Boosts Support for Welfare Programs
New research from Europe finds people in need of a meal express more positive views regarding those receiving public assistance.
How Many Americans Would Quit Working if They Didn't Need Health Care?
A new study on unlocking health insurance from employment created fears of a widespread rush for welfare benefits. But what it will really do is open the door to a freer pursuit of better jobs.
Welfare Rates Almost Unchanged During Recession
Welfare reform, 15 years old this week, was designed to get the structurally poor into jobs. What happens when there are lots more poor and lots fewer jobs?
Less Stress May Mean Less Fat
And that's why keeping the larder stocked for safety-net programs such as food stamps may keep people fed and fit.
Drug Testing Welfare Recipients in Vogue
Proposals to test Americans on the dole for illegal drugs seem grounded more in stereotypes and less in data.
Report: Texas’ Economic Miracle Paid for by Its Kids
A report by the nonpartisan Texans Care for Children finds that glaring social problems borne by Texas' children have resulted from its state government's policies.
Welfare Reform Failing Poor Single Moms, Books Claim
"Stretched Thin," "Both Hands Tied," and "The War on Welfare" are three new books that highlight welfare reform's failure to address the enduring poverty of single mothers and their children.
Big Love Soaking the State
Religiously inspired polygamy creates a financial burden on the state, something both the United States and France agree on.
Child Care Should Play a Role in Economic Decisions
Analysis: Providing care and enrichment to the children of the working poor is a good investment, not a luxury.