Forward-looking reforms can make a greater difference in black lives today, and in the future.
Social Mobility
A core promise of America is the ability of people to rise up from humble beginnings. The challenges faced by lower- and middle-income Americans today are multidisciplinary in nature, and require our renewed focus. Job and wage growth are essential; in particular, Americans need access to more blue-collar work and other jobs that don’t require a college degree. Our employment and welfare policies should encourage work, family formation, and income security. Paid family leave can help strengthen families at their times of need.
All Social Mobility
Individuals always possess agency for their own lives, but we cannot ignore the context in which those choices take place.
Major welfare programs aren’t designed to work together. As a result, we help fewer than we could, and waste more than we should.
Cost of living is one of many neglected challenges facing lower-income Americans.
Stop child welfare agencies from taking foster kids’ Social Security survivor and disability benefits.
Fostering Independence Accounts can help foster children find their footing as they rise into adulthood.
Good people can perpetuate unequal opportunity, when they are tasked to work in flawed systems.
New research finds that social mobility is most often found in communities with intact families.