The Case for the Living Wage

by Jerold Waltman

Overview

This well-documented brief demonstrates that both poverty and excessive economic inequality are inimical to the maintenance of a healthy republic, and notes that providing a living wage is not only fair, but is superior to any other public policy such as cash transfers (or the Earned Income Tax Credit) in the effort to fight poverty.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780875863047
Publisher:	Algora Publishing
Publication date:	03/01/2004
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	238
File size:	999 KB

Editorial Reviews

One of this fall's campaign issues is wage equity, as the enormous gulf between the wealthiest and the poorest Americans widens even more. Waltman (political science, Baylor Univ.) provides a lucid, detailed background for debates on welfare, workfare, and the "living wage." He reviews U.S. policy and demonstrates why early advocates of the welfare state wanted a living wage, why it has failed, and how it could be an essential element in providing economic justice and contributing to the prosperity of all. He also explicates the difference between a minimum and a living wage and a fair and a just wage. Why have we lost the connection between work and just compensation? As he explores this question, Waltman uses case studies and statistics to explore the root causes and issues of poverty and inequality. Though he focuses mainly on America's values and policies, Waltman compares efforts in the United States and Britain to address the problems of poverty and wages. His graphs, tables, footnotes, and bibliography will help researchers and students understand and explore this topic more fully. Every voting American should read this work.-Susan C. Awe, Univ. of New Mexico Lib., Albuquerque Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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