Low-Income Working Families and Economic Security

Millions of families work full-time yet struggle to cover basic needs like housing, healthcare, and childcare. Understanding the intersection of low-wage work, public policy, and urban planning is critical for creating lasting economic mobility. This text-only course provides a comprehensive introduction to the systemic barriers low-income families face and the policy frameworks designed to support them. You will learn to analyze labor market dynamics, evaluate social safety nets, and propose actionable solutions for economic security. By reading this course, you will: Understand the fundamental definitions and measures of poverty, working poverty, and economic self-sufficiency; Analyze how modern labor market shifts, including the rise of the gig economy, affect low-wage workers; Evaluate the effectiveness of social safety net programs such as tax credits, housing assistance, and childcare subsidies; Explore the role of urban planning, transportation, and affordable housing in family economic stability; Examine modern policy innovations, including guaranteed basic income pilots and paid family leave initiatives; Apply policy analysis frameworks to identify gaps in support systems and propose equitable solutions. The course starts with essential terminology and historical context before moving into labor market structures, public assistance programs, and real-world policy case studies. You will engage with written analyses and foundational readings to build a robust toolkit for social advocacy and policy design. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring policy analysts, community advocates, and urban planning students with no prior background in economics or sociology. Begin reading today to understand the structural realities of working poverty and help build pathways to economic security.