Synopses & Reviews
Includes bibliographical references (p. 169-171) and index.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1; AN EXAMINATION OF INNER-CITY POVERTY: The Black and White face of poverty -- The welfare queen stereotype -- Crime rates in poor neighborhoods -- The struggles of young immigrants in urban America -- Low-wage earners trapped in poverty -- The myth of widespread American poverty -- CHAPTER 2: THE CAUSES OF INNER-CITY POVERTY: Various theories on the causes of poverty -- The economic factors behind long-term poverty -- The lack of job opportunities in the inner city -- Single-parent families are more likely to be poor -- Immigration is responsible for the rising poverty rate -- CHAPTER 3: SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF INNER-CITY POVERTY: A "living wage" is necessary to help the working poor -- A "living wage" will not eliminate poverty -- Welfare reform is helping the poor move out of poverty -- The mixed results of welfare reform -- Workfare: successes and failures -- Corporate involvement in job-training programs -- Government support of faith-based iniatives can help reduce poverty -- The government should not rely on religious charities to help the poor -- A practical alternative to public housing projects -- Providing better housing for the poor -- CHAPTER 4: LIFE IN THE INNER CITY: PERSONAL ACCOUNTS: Living in fear -- The responsibilities of an inner-city grandmother -- Stretching the welfare check -- Trying to leave the inner city.