Waubonsee Community College

The persistence of poverty, why the economics of the well-off can't help the poor, Charles Karelis

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 165-182) and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The persistence of poverty

bibliography

77574621

Charles Karelis

why the economics of the well-off can't help the poor

Why hasn't the poverty rate fallen in four decades, despite society's massive and varied efforts? The notable philosopher Charles Karelis contends that conventional explanations of poverty rest on a mistake. And so do the antipoverty policies they generate. This book proposes a new explanation of the behaviors that keep people poor, including nonwork, quitting school, nonsaving, and breaking the law. Provocative and thoughtful, it finds a hidden rationality in the problematic conduct of many poor people, a rationality long missed by economists. Using science, history, fables, philosophical analysis, and common observation, the author engages us and takes us to a deeper grasp of the link between consumption and satisfaction, and from there to a new view of distributive justice and to fresh policy recommendations for combating poverty. With this bold work and original insights, the long-stalled campaign against poverty can begin to move forward once more

What poverty is -- Behavioral factors in poverty -- Some theories -- A closer look at the inefficiency argument -- Appendix : Using indifference curves to identify utility-maximizing allocations -- A new way to rationalize the conduct that prolongs and worsens poverty -- Appendix : Further exploration through graphical analysis -- Responses to challenges and questions -- Appendix : The case of Alfred Marshall -- Policy : what should we do differently if we believe that marginal utility is increasing amid scarcity? -- Economic justice reconsidered