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SoBrief
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The Human Cost of Welfare
by Phil Harvey • 2016
Welfare was built to end poverty. Its rules punish work, marriage, and saving instead.
4.45
20
The Human Cost of Welfare Summary
The Human Cost of Welfare 91%
Welfare was built to end poverty. Its rules punish work, marriage, and saving instead.
by Phil Harvey 2016
4.45
20 ratings
In Our Hands
by Charles Murray • 2006
Eliminate every welfare program. Send every adult one check. It costs less and ends poverty.
3.74
290
In Our Hands Summary
In Our Hands 90%
Eliminate every welfare program. Send every adult one check. It costs less and ends poverty.
by Charles Murray 2006
3.74
290 ratings
All You Can Eat
by Joel Berg • 2008
America has the food to feed everyone. Why 35 million still go hungry.
3.88
137
All You Can Eat Summary
All You Can Eat 90%
America has the food to feed everyone. Why 35 million still go hungry.
by Joel Berg 2008
3.88
137 ratings
Respect in a World of Inequality
by Richard Sennett • 2003
Invisibility is inequality's deepest cut; the systems meant to heal it often cut deeper.
3.69
244
Respect in a World of Inequality Summary
Respect in a World of Inequality 90%
Invisibility is inequality's deepest cut; the systems meant to heal it often cut deeper.
by Richard Sennett 2003
3.69
244 ratings
Fragmented Democracy
by Jamila Michener • 2018
Your zip code decides your Medicaid benefits. It also decides whether you bother with politics.
4.23
120
Fragmented Democracy Summary
Fragmented Democracy 90%
Your zip code decides your Medicaid benefits. It also decides whether you bother with politics.
by Jamila Michener 2018
4.23
120 ratings
The Great Risk Shift
by Jacob S. Hacker • 2006
Income swings five times more than in the 1970s; the safety net was dismantled on purpose.
3.81
274
The Great Risk Shift Summary
The Great Risk Shift 89%
Income swings five times more than in the 1970s; the safety net was dismantled on purpose.
by Jacob S. Hacker 2006
3.81
274 ratings
The Divided Welfare State
by Jacob S. Hacker • 2002
America didn't skip the welfare state. It hid it in tax breaks and employer benefits.
3.70
60
The Divided Welfare State Summary
The Divided Welfare State 89%
America didn't skip the welfare state. It hid it in tax breaks and employer benefits.
by Jacob S. Hacker 2002
3.70
60 ratings
What We Owe Each Other
by Minouche Shafik • 2021
The safety net is fraying from childhood to old age. A single plan to rewire it.
3.85
1k+
What We Owe Each Other Summary
What We Owe Each Other 89%
The safety net is fraying from childhood to old age. A single plan to rewire it.
by Minouche Shafik 2021
3.85
1k+ ratings
The Two Percent Solution
by Matt Miller • 2003
America's biggest domestic problems cost two percent of GDP to fix. That's the whole argument.
3.98
89
The Two Percent Solution Summary
The Two Percent Solution 89%
America's biggest domestic problems cost two percent of GDP to fix. That's the whole argument.
by Matt Miller 2003
3.98
89 ratings
We've Got You Covered
by Liran Einav • 2023
America already covers the uninsured, just badly. The fix: automatic, basic, free, and budgeted.
4.09
386
We've Got You Covered Summary
We've Got You Covered 89%
America already covers the uninsured, just badly. The fix: automatic, basic, free, and budgeted.
by Liran Einav 2023
4.09
386 ratings
From Welfare to Workfare
by Jennifer Mittelstadt • 2005
Reformers taught poor mothers to work to save welfare; they built the case for workfare instead.
3.91
11
From Welfare to Workfare Summary
From Welfare to Workfare 89%
Reformers taught poor mothers to work to save welfare; they built the case for workfare instead.
by Jennifer Mittelstadt 2005
3.91
11 ratings
In the Shadow of the Poorhouse
by Michael B. Katz • 1986
American welfare was designed to deter, not to help. The poorhouse closed; the logic stayed.
3.74
138
In the Shadow of the Poorhouse Summary
In the Shadow of the Poorhouse 89%
American welfare was designed to deter, not to help. The poorhouse closed; the logic stayed.
by Michael B. Katz 1986
3.74
138 ratings
The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism
by Gøsta Esping-Andersen • 1989
Three welfare-state logics, not one spectrum; three distinct futures for work, class, and conflict.
3.93
352
The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism Summary
The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism 89%
Three welfare-state logics, not one spectrum; three distinct futures for work, class, and conflict.
by Gøsta Esping-Andersen 1989
3.93
352 ratings
Maid
by Stephanie Land • 2019
A single mother cleans houses while barely holding onto her own: life inside the working poor.
3.86
114k+
Maid Summary
Maid 89%
A single mother cleans houses while barely holding onto her own: life inside the working poor.
by Stephanie Land 2019
3.86
114k+ ratings
Improving Poor People
by Michael B. Katz • 1995
Why America keeps trying to fix the poor instead of poverty, and what history reveals.
3.83
12
Improving Poor People Summary
Improving Poor People 89%
Why America keeps trying to fix the poor instead of poverty, and what history reveals.
by Michael B. Katz 1995
3.83
12 ratings
From Poor Law to Welfare State
by Walter I. Trattner • 1974
How America turned helping the poor from an act of justice into a judgment on character.
3.69
318
From Poor Law to Welfare State Summary
From Poor Law to Welfare State 89%
How America turned helping the poor from an act of justice into a judgment on character.
by Walter I. Trattner 1974
3.69
318 ratings
San Fransicko
by Michael Shellenberger • 2021
Progressive compassion for the homeless and addicted is making both groups larger and sicker.
4.01
4k+
San Fransicko Summary
San Fransicko 88%
Progressive compassion for the homeless and addicted is making both groups larger and sicker.
by Michael Shellenberger 2021
4.01
4k+ ratings
Class War?
by Benjamin I. Page • 2009
Americans aren't fighting a class war. They agree on taxing the rich and expanding the safety net.
3.53
45
Class War? Summary
Class War? 88%
Americans aren't fighting a class war. They agree on taxing the rich and expanding the safety net.
by Benjamin I. Page 2009
3.53
45 ratings
The Color of Welfare
by Jill Quadagno • 1994
Racial backlash, not liberal ideals, unraveled the American welfare state, program by program.
4.16
90
The Color of Welfare Summary
The Color of Welfare 88%
Racial backlash, not liberal ideals, unraveled the American welfare state, program by program.
by Jill Quadagno 1994
4.16
90 ratings
The Great Divide
by Joseph E. Stiglitz • 2015
Inequality isn't fate; it's a policy choice, and the architects designed it for themselves.
3.82
1k+
The Great Divide Summary
The Great Divide 88%
Inequality isn't fate; it's a policy choice, and the architects designed it for themselves.
by Joseph E. Stiglitz 2015
3.82
1k+ ratings
The Submerged State
by Suzanne Mettler • 2011
Half of Americans who use government programs say they never have. That gap is no accident.
3.88
267
The Submerged State Summary
The Submerged State 88%
Half of Americans who use government programs say they never have. That gap is no accident.
by Suzanne Mettler 2011
3.88
267 ratings
Common Sense
by Joel Greenblatt • 2020
The same incentive logic that picks stocks can fix schools, wages, and banks.
3.65
276
Common Sense Summary
Common Sense 88%
The same incentive logic that picks stocks can fix schools, wages, and banks.
by Joel Greenblatt 2020
3.65
276 ratings
Social Security Fd 3e
by PETERSON • 2012
The single biggest Social Security decision: when to claim. Get it wrong and lose a third.
3.74
329
Social Security Fd 3e Summary
Social Security Fd 3e 88%
The single biggest Social Security decision: when to claim. Get it wrong and lose a third.
by PETERSON 2012
3.74
329 ratings
Life at the Bottom
by Theodore Dalrymple • 2001
Poverty didn't wreck the underclass. A set of ideas did—and intellectuals handed them down.
4.23
4k+
Life at the Bottom Summary
Life at the Bottom 88%
Poverty didn't wreck the underclass. A set of ideas did—and intellectuals handed them down.
by Theodore Dalrymple 2001
4.23
4k+ ratings
Shifting the Color Line
by Robert C. Lieberman • 1998
New Deal welfare was a racial sorting machine, not by intent but by institutional design.
3.69
16
Shifting the Color Line Summary
Shifting the Color Line 88%
New Deal welfare was a racial sorting machine, not by intent but by institutional design.
by Robert C. Lieberman 1998
3.69
16 ratings
Rough Sleepers
by Tracy Kidder • 2023
The homeless die ten times faster. A Boston doctor found that trust is the only cure.
4.34
11k+
Rough Sleepers Summary
Rough Sleepers 88%
The homeless die ten times faster. A Boston doctor found that trust is the only cure.
by Tracy Kidder 2023
4.34
11k+ ratings
Categorically Unequal
by Douglas S. Massey • 2007
America engineered its inequality: sort people into categories, then rig the rules.
4.24
134
Categorically Unequal Summary
Categorically Unequal 88%
America engineered its inequality: sort people into categories, then rig the rules.
by Douglas S. Massey 2007
4.24
134 ratings
Whose Keeper? Social Science and Moral Obligation
by Alan Wolfe • 1989
Markets and states each fail at moral obligation. The answer hides where neither governs.
4.08
13
Whose Keeper? Social Science and Moral Obligation Summary
Whose Keeper? Social Science and Moral Obligation 88%
Markets and states each fail at moral obligation. The answer hides where neither governs.
by Alan Wolfe 1989
4.08
13 ratings
The Conscience of a Liberal
by Paul Krugman • 2007
Extreme inequality didn't just happen: a political movement used race to dismantle the middle class.
3.97
6k+
The Conscience of a Liberal Summary
The Conscience of a Liberal 88%
Extreme inequality didn't just happen: a political movement used race to dismantle the middle class.
by Paul Krugman 2007
3.97
6k+ ratings
Not Working
by D.W. Gibson • 2012
What a paycheck conceals: Americans on the identity, health, and dignity that left with the job.
3.68
60
Not Working Summary
Not Working 88%
What a paycheck conceals: Americans on the identity, health, and dignity that left with the job.
by D.W. Gibson 2012
3.68
60 ratings
The Spirit Level
by Richard G. Wilkinson • 2009
Inequality sickens and divides. In rich countries, the gap matters more than the wealth itself.
4.13
7k+
The Spirit Level Summary
The Spirit Level 88%
Inequality sickens and divides. In rich countries, the gap matters more than the wealth itself.
by Richard G. Wilkinson 2009
4.13
7k+ ratings
The Age of Responsibility
by Yascha Mounk • 2017
When responsibility became a weapon, welfare states turned to punishment over protection.
3.66
82
The Age of Responsibility Summary
The Age of Responsibility 88%
When responsibility became a weapon, welfare states turned to punishment over protection.
by Yascha Mounk 2017
3.66
82 ratings
Regulating the Poor
by Frances Fox Piven • 1971
Welfare has one rhythm: expand during riots, contract during calm, always to enforce cheap labor.
4.24
321
Regulating the Poor Summary
Regulating the Poor 88%
Welfare has one rhythm: expand during riots, contract during calm, always to enforce cheap labor.
by Frances Fox Piven 1971
4.24
321 ratings
Holding It Together
by Jessica Calarco • 2024
America's safety net is women's unpaid labor. That's not an accident. It was designed.
4.13
1k+
Holding It Together Summary
Holding It Together 88%
America's safety net is women's unpaid labor. That's not an accident. It was designed.
by Jessica Calarco 2024
4.13
1k+ ratings
The Nordic Theory of Everything
by Anu Partanen • 2016
What Americans call socialist actually produces the world's most self-sufficient individuals.
3.86
9k+
The Nordic Theory of Everything Summary
The Nordic Theory of Everything 88%
What Americans call socialist actually produces the world's most self-sufficient individuals.
by Anu Partanen 2016
3.86
9k+ ratings
Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions
by Joseph L. Matthews • 1988
Social Security rewards waiting. Medicare punishes delay. Deadlines most miss, and what they cost.
3.96
120
Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions Summary
Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions 88%
Social Security rewards waiting. Medicare punishes delay. Deadlines most miss, and what they cost.
by Joseph L. Matthews 1988
3.96
120 ratings
The Skilled Communicator in Social Work
by Karen Healy • 2017
Poststructuralism doesn't end critical social work; it saves it from its own certainties.
4.00
4
The Skilled Communicator in Social Work Summary
The Skilled Communicator in Social Work 88%
Poststructuralism doesn't end critical social work; it saves it from its own certainties.
by Karen Healy 2017
4.00
4 ratings
The Next America
by Paul Taylor • 2014
By 2033 the safety net runs dry. The generation expected to save it is already underwater.
3.67
697
The Next America Summary
The Next America 88%
By 2033 the safety net runs dry. The generation expected to save it is already underwater.
by Paul Taylor 2014
3.67
697 ratings
Punishing the Poor
by Loïc Wacquant • 2004
Welfare cuts and mass incarceration are two sides of the same neoliberal project, not opposites.
4.21
277
Punishing the Poor Summary
Punishing the Poor 88%
Welfare cuts and mass incarceration are two sides of the same neoliberal project, not opposites.
by Loïc Wacquant 2004
4.21
277 ratings
Medicare for All
by Abdul El-Sayed • 2021
$5,220 for a US hospital day, $765 in Australia. The fix, and how to win it.
4.36
349
Medicare for All Summary
Medicare for All 88%
$5,220 for a US hospital day, $765 in Australia. The fix, and how to win it.
by Abdul El-Sayed 2021
4.36
349 ratings
White Poverty
by William J. Barber II • 2024
America's poor are mostly white. The lie that says otherwise keeps the working class fractured.
4.28
719
White Poverty Summary
White Poverty 87%
America's poor are mostly white. The lie that says otherwise keeps the working class fractured.
by William J. Barber II 2024
4.28
719 ratings
Men Without Work
by Nicholas Eberstadt • 2016
Seven million prime-age men have quit the workforce entirely. The problem isn't a lack of jobs.
3.41
501
Men Without Work Summary
Men Without Work 87%
Seven million prime-age men have quit the workforce entirely. The problem isn't a lack of jobs.
by Nicholas Eberstadt 2016
3.41
501 ratings
Shattered Nation
by Danny Dorling • 2023
Beneath every British crisis lies a map of inequality decades in the making.
3.97
119
Shattered Nation Summary
Shattered Nation 87%
Beneath every British crisis lies a map of inequality decades in the making.
by Danny Dorling 2023
3.97
119 ratings
The Age of Dignity
by Ai-jen Poo • 2015
Ten thousand Americans turn sixty-five each day. The fix is infrastructure, not more nursing homes.
3.88
413
The Age of Dignity Summary
The Age of Dignity 87%
Ten thousand Americans turn sixty-five each day. The fix is infrastructure, not more nursing homes.
by Ai-jen Poo 2015
3.88
413 ratings
A Gift of Hope
by Danielle Steel • 2012
She gave teddy bears to homeless men. The toughest cried, and her grief began to heal.
3.98
3k+
A Gift of Hope Summary
A Gift of Hope 87%
She gave teddy bears to homeless men. The toughest cried, and her grief began to heal.
by Danielle Steel 2012
3.98
3k+ ratings
Evicted
by Matthew Desmond • 2016
Poverty isn't the cause of eviction. Eviction is the cause of poverty, and the market profits.
4.47
115k+
Evicted Summary
Evicted 87%
Poverty isn't the cause of eviction. Eviction is the cause of poverty, and the market profits.
by Matthew Desmond 2016
4.47
115k+ ratings
No Shame in My Game
by Katherine S. Newman • 1999
The job everyone ridicules might be the best shot at dignity for America's working poor.
3.75
466
No Shame in My Game Summary
No Shame in My Game 87%
The job everyone ridicules might be the best shot at dignity for America's working poor.
by Katherine S. Newman 1999
3.75
466 ratings
All That Is Solid
by Danny Dorling • 2014
Britain has a third more bedrooms than people. The housing disaster is engineered, not inevitable.
3.55
144
All That Is Solid Summary
All That Is Solid 87%
Britain has a third more bedrooms than people. The housing disaster is engineered, not inevitable.
by Danny Dorling 2014
3.55
144 ratings
The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care
by Sally C. Pipes • 2008
The 46 million uninsured is a mirage; government is the real problem.
3.54
24
The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care Summary
The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care 87%
The 46 million uninsured is a mirage; government is the real problem.
by Sally C. Pipes 2008
3.54
24 ratings
Lost Connections
by Johann Hari • 2018
What if depression signals disconnection, not disease: we've lost community, meaning, nature.
4.26
42k+
Lost Connections Summary
Lost Connections 87%
What if depression signals disconnection, not disease: we've lost community, meaning, nature.
by Johann Hari 2018
4.26
42k+ ratings
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