What Government Can Do: Dealing with Poverty and Inequality (American Politics and Political Economy Series) [Hardcover]

Benjamin I. Page (Author), James R. Simmons (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0226644812 | ISBN-13: 978-0226644813 | Publication Date: October 1, 2000 | Edition: 1

It is often said that the federal government cannot or should not attempt to address America's problems of poverty and inequality—because its bureaucracy is wasteful or its programs ineffective. But is this true? In this book, Benjamin I. Page and James R. Simmons examine a number of federal and local programs, detailing what government action already does for its citizens and assessing how efficient it is at solving the problems it seeks to address. Their conclusion, surprisingly, is the polar opposite of the prevailing rhetoric—What Government Can Do is an insightful and compelling argument that it both can and should do more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A] deft and detailed defense of government activism to alleviate poverty and extreme inequality in the US.... [T]he detail with which [the authors] present their views and the richness of the overall vision make this a compelling treatise.... A sterling contribution to the ongoing discussion of what this country might or should become." - Kirkus Reviews "Since the mid-1970s, many Americans have contended that government cannot solve the social and economic problems we face. Page and Simmons are more optimistic. In this well-written book, they argue that many government programs, here and abroad, have reduced poverty and inequality.... This timely, thoughtful book presents a strong case for greater government action." - Library Journal --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

Can governments do anything right? Can they do anything at all about the problems of poverty and inequality? Despite the recent boom in the U.S. economy, many millions of Americans have been left behind. Poverty rates remain higher than in most other industrialized countries. Income inequality has increased sharply. Yet we are sometimes told that government cannot or should not do anything about it: either these problems are hopeless, or government action is inevitably wasteful and inefficient, or globalization has made governments impotent.

What Government Can Do argues, on the contrary, that federal, state, and local governments can and should do a great deal. Benjamin I. Page and James R. Simmons detail what programs have worked and how they can be improved, while introducing the general reader to the fundamentals of social insurance programs such as Social Security and Medicaid, tax structures, minimum wage laws, educational programs, and the concept of "basic needs." Through their discussions of high-profile campaign plans, proposals, successes, and failures, they have written a readable, optimistic, and clear-headed book on government and poverty. And they find that, contrary to popular belief, government policies already do, in fact, help alleviate poverty and economic inequality. Often these policies work far more effectively and efficiently than people realize, and in ways that enhance freedom rather than infringe on it. At the same time, Page and Simmons show how even more could be-and should be-accomplished.

The authors advocate many sweeping policy changes while acknowledging political obstacles (such as the power of money and organized interests in American politics) that may stand in the way. Yet even those who disagree with their recommendations will come away with a deepened understanding of how social and economic policies actually work. Exploring ideas often ignored in Beltway political discourse, What Government Can Do challenges all Americans to raise the level of public debate and improve our public policies.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 409 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226644812
• ISBN-13: 978-0226644813
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,195,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for concerned citizens., July 30, 2002

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Harmonious "angelapi" (San Juan, PR Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: What Government Can Do: Dealing with Poverty and Inequality (American Politics and Political Economy Series) (Hardcover)

This book is very informative about a whole range of social issues. Although it specifically deals with the American social scene it has an universal appeal. It dissects problems and situations like poverty, income inequality, lack of a fair electoral system, prevailing taxation policies, basic needs and "rights" of people, educational opportunities, homelessness, etc., and proposes possible solutions for them. This book dispels many myths associated with the poor and the needy. This book was a very agreeable experience for me and I will be promoting it among my friends. This detailed and thoroughly researched book will delight you if you are for Justice, Fairness and Equality. The book has a Reference section that is a treasure for progressive thinkers. Enjoy this book.