America's Poor and the Great Recession

“A thorough and enlightening survey of the impact and legacy of the Great Recession on low-income Americans . . . accessible and readable.” —Journal of American Studies

Millions entered poverty as a result of the Great Recession’s terrible toll of long-term unemployment. In this book, Kristin S. Seefeldt and John D. Graham examine recent trends in poverty and assess the performance of America’s safety-net programs.

They consider likely scenarios for future developments and conclude that the well-being of low-income Americans, particularly the working poor, the near poor, and the new poor, is at substantial risk despite economic recovery.

“[This] primer on the state of America’s poor in the wake of the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009 cuts through Beltway theater and provides a clear picture of the magnitude of poverty of the United States as well as the patchwork nature of social services targeting the poor.” —Journal of Policy Analysis and Management