Assets and the Poor: A New American Welfare Policy (Paperback)

~ Michael Sherraden (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This work proposes a new approach to welfare: a social policy that goes beyond simple income maintenance to foster individual initiative and self-sufficiency. It argues for an asset-based policy that would create a system of saving incentives through individual development accounts (IDAs) for specific purposes, such as college education, homeownership, self-employment and retirement security. In this way, low-income Americans could gain the same opportunities that middle- and upper-income citizens have to plan ahead, set aside savings and invest in a more secure future.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: M.E. Sharpe (March 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563240661
• ISBN-13: 978-1563240669
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,025,006 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you want to know where your tax dollar goes........., May 23, 2000

By	"srcchrishale" (St. Paul, Minnesota, USA) - See all my reviews

This was the most cutting edge welfare policy proposal that I have heard. Sherraden also refutes the demonization of the poor that the press would have us believe make up the entire welfare population. The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is that it is a little dry. But the early tough going is rewarded in the later chapters with his welfare policy proposals. For anyone concerned about where our entitlement tax dollars are going, this book is a must read.