Understanding Persistent Poverty in the United States

Why does one of the world's wealthiest nations struggle with persistent poverty? To address this complex issue, we must first understand the structural, economic, and policy factors that keep millions of Americans financially insecure. This text-based course guides you through the history of US poverty, the evolution of social safety nets, and the modern economic forces at play. You will transition from having a surface-level view of poverty to possessing a deep, structural understanding of economic inequality and policy design. What you'll learn: - Explore foundational concepts of how poverty is officially measured and the limitations of these metrics. - Analyze the historical policies and systemic barriers that have shaped wealth distribution in the US. - Examine the modern social safety net, including social security, welfare programs, and tax credits. - Understand the impact of contemporary economic shifts, such as the gig economy and rising housing costs. - Evaluate policy proposals aimed at reducing poverty, from basic income experiments to structural labor reforms. Starting with fundamental definitions and measurement tools, the course progresses systematically through historical context, policy analysis, and contemporary economic challenges, ending with written analytical exercises. This course is designed for beginners interested in sociology, economics, public policy, or social justice, requiring no prior background in economics. Start reading today to build a critical foundation in US economic policy and social reform.