How to help America's poor

The nature of poverty in America is changing, challenging stereotypes. What is the best way to help families living in poverty today?
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[@TheEconomist]

Thanks for watching everyone. We have noticed some comments about universal basic income and we will be addressing that and other aspects of poverty in a live stream Friday at 1:00pm GMT. Tune in.

[@PFA...]

How can The Economist release a video entitled "How to help American's poor" without addressing, even briefly, income inequality, the assault on unions, the lack of effective social programs instituted by almost all - if not every other - industrialized nation, student debt, medical induced bankruptcy, the stagnation of wages, the tax breaks for companies worth $1,000,000,000,000 +, the failure to raise the minimum wage to a level that would guarantee a frugal person's rise out of poverty with a 40 hour work week.... etc.?? And you suggest that the best way to reduce poverty is a UBI program pinned and limited to the number of children in the household, in part because of the efficient cost/benefit ratio of such a program. How efficient is a solution requiring 25 years to effect change for the population at large? Children who grow up in wealthier households tend to fare better than those in poorer households, but that doesn't substantially change the prospects of parents with adult children, or the adults who chose not to have children. I know this is a shorter video, a summary of sorts, so please take my criticisms lightly. But also, what does The Economist have to say about the other issues I've brought up? Looking forward to Friday's discussion.

[@AmericaFirstRifleman]

Can The Economist hire more than just white liberal people?

[@ysanchez1891]

Democrats want open borders? We should have open housing for our homeless.

[@BigBadWolf..............]

The national council on aging states that over 25 million senior citizens are economically insecure and living at or below the poverty level. More and more senior citizens are working past retirement age. Of all the economic proposals that have been put forward only one can help support the elderly. It is a universal basic income that stacks with social security.

[@ArmyRangerSJ]

"Children born into poverty have a hard time getting out" Yet statistically they end up in the top 40-60% of earners 90% of the time. 😂😂😂

[@longheadedshorthorse]

It is fascinating that child care in the States is so expensive, considering that it is so poorly paid.

[@longheadedshorthorse]

@Гавран your slav is showing though. Also not even addressing the question. Unless you mean everyone who works in Childcare is rich.

[@ashleighadams1842]

It’s regulations...there has to be a certain ratio of workers to children, which means that even though it costs as much per child as university, there are so many childcare workers needed per class that, in a non-public daycare system, workers still don’t make that much despite how much people are paying.

[@maryshaffer8474]

Same with caring for seniors and developmental disabled only owners and government workers benefit.

[@longheadedshorthorse]

@Finn MickCool Yeah, that's why my iPhone replaces about 25k worth of 90s tech, because the free market is terrible at lowering prices to increase consumer pool that's soooooooo true /s

[@casper01713]

The U.S. Claims to be the best country in the world to live. However, many people do not read the small print that states: you will pay high taxes, you will not have a healthcare program, you will not have child day care, you will not have an education without student loans, you will not have dental care, everything you own belongs to the government, you will be poor, your taxed money will be spent on silly projects, and if you complaint you will go to jail. Welcome to the American dream.

[@shaunzaarrae3727]

I earned my BBA in Economics, and am currently a Poverty Lawyer with Legal Aid. No where in this report do you mention public benefits programs, eligibility, payouts, or demographics. I grew up poorer than many of my classmates, but those same classmates who didn’t invest in school, and instead had kids, are now essentially permanently poor. Anyone who has a child before they themselves are financially stable = High probability of generational poverty.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

That is why I strongly support schools educating the students about birth control and basic budgeting of money. Some parents are not very responsible.

[@droolalot5795]

PREACH

[@henrythegreatamerican8136]

Based on what I see, many poor people (and homeless people) have some kind of mental, emotional, or physical issues. These issues don't have to be extreme like Schizophrenia, but they are harmful enough to cause people to make poor decisions. As for what's causing the overall poverty.... I'll leave that for an economic and political discussion someplace else LOL.

[@jew_world_order]

Majority do not want an education therefore we need to create an economic floor that no one can fall through. No matter how little you earn, if anything... you still remain middle class.

[@spidermonkey8430]

In the past one mans income working in a factory was able to run a household with 3 kids. Something has gone wrong. Just because someone has kids before education doesn’t mean they deserve a life of poverty.

[@Xergecuz]

You can live very well with 25k in places like El Paso, southern Texas and New Mexico, and you can barely get by on 100k in places like NYC.

[@donbenjamin6459]

The minimun wage in arg is 600 dolars. If one is poor in Usa he could likely go to every country in LA

[@rmfinance1781]

Yeah. But the thing is with those places.. Esp El Paso you have to be bilingual for most jobs. Unless you're a soldier at fort bliss, working as a DOD civilian (at fort bliss), work in the medical industry, or work for the Cartel... Good luck trying to make a living in that economy. Personally, I'd rather just make $100k in New York. Network with others (4 to a 2 bedroom apartment) and save money that way. That's how we do it in Los Angeles. It's not uncommon to find 5-6 people living in a 2 bedroom apartment here in Santa Monica. Esp college students going to SMC. I love El Paso (was at fort bliss for two years), but trying to live on that economy? El Paso is great if one is military connected and living way above the economy. But struggling to survive? El Paso becomes Hell Paso. Better off taking your chances in LA

[@jjeherrera]

@@donbenjamin6459 If he could get a properly paid job in Latin America. The cost of life is lower, but so are the salaries.

[@RPDBY]

Because oil and gas, take these away and the taxes in Texas will skyrocket

[@chownful]

lol you can't live very well off 25k in El Paso or RGV anymore...maybe 10 years ago...

[@tslee8236]

Help the poor to help themselves. For starter, give them financial education.

[@jew_world_order]

Majority do not want an education

[@beluwuga2229]

Brandon Morris no nut life

[@ohioitis200]

@Brandon Morris they can get free bc at planned parenthood.

[@KS-cl8br]

It money in politics where the rich and lobbyists for corporations bribe politicians.

[@theendurance]

they dont want education, thats the issue. It's insane that American poor people don't value education and this college is a "scam"

[@vincentadema]

Excellent films. Hard to see how American culture makes solutions to these problems so difficult. It was also a pleasure to have a peek behind the curtain for a special report like this.

[@davidho9238]

Sounded heartless but not to have so many kids, saving up for rainy days would really help to set a brighter future.

[@Echo81Rumple83]

You, too? Geez... More reason to pay KZbin to stop assaulting me with these unregulated advertisements.

[@honestcomment862]

Saving their nickels and dimes isn't going to get people out of poverty. Also, there are less children being born in the country now than ever before so you're way off target.

[@davidho9238]

@@honestcomment862 people should be able to feed their kids. Don’t rely on the gov or someone else to put food on the table.

[@SA-xt1gd]

My family was working class until my dad got into a car accident and the government cut off his paycheck to us. Now we are living under poverty but we have a house to finish mortgage and have food stamps and medicaid and financial aid for college. I am debt free from college and I never got a response from any job. Thats anoter issue linked with poverty. People aren’t given opportunities to progress so that they can get out of poverty.

[@emuriddle9364]

Absolutely. There's a stigma against Financial Assistance. Even if someone actually needs it. And as a Disabled Person myself: I hate that.

[@scifirealism5943]

@@emuriddle9364 it's messed up with the rich receive welfare it's "earned" but when the poor receive it it's "costly."

[@carlgharis7948]

​@@scifirealism5943 the rich are the biggest welfare recipients of all time via labor exploiting

[@scifirealism5943]

@@carlgharis7948 correct

[@amilsarfraz5756]

Thank you for talking about this.

[@chrisp2481]

i love that the commercial interrupting this video is of a rich actress telling me to invest with a NYC hedge fund.

[@dumpjohn]

There is always more than enough for warmongering

[@highwayrockstar1]

And tax cut for billionaires!

[@amiller9628]

EXACTLY!!!

[@jew_world_order]

And "free" vaccines for the entire country

[@SRose-vp6ew]

Yes, under Bush/Chaney and Obama/Biden there was lots of new war "mongering" and new bombings and randomly timed bureaucracy based war strategy as the solution. Actually not so much under Trump. He has actually been one of our most peaceful presidents. However, remember military spending goes into things like international relations and even medical research. Look at policy, bills, and watch the press conference and not just the news or the part where they ask sensationalist questions. Don't be manipulated that things are different than it is. Many people are being manipulated, I was, and my Democrat mayor and gov. destroyed and race baited my city and it's hurting because of them. Meanwhile a Trump rally in my area had 30% minority attendance and the only hate were the anti-Trump protesters. I work with the poor and the most hurt the poor have is Democrats and I am seeing that now as smart people are too SCARED to get off aid. Democrats and their dependency creating policy are no friend to the unique needs of the city. It's oppressive and act like 10s of thousands of "undocumented" and "unaccompanied" children are better kicked to the streets than given right to trail and foster care and tell people they are evil based on word choices you made up. Sick of it. I red pilled. Even in the start of this Biden is a fool who doesn't know what's going on or how to help. This isn't just biased it's lying to the harm of those actually in need of people needing to learn how to help. Want to help the poor? Find an originations that works with the poor but is NOT connected to the government. And no, I didn't say we shouldn't have social programs, I said we should help get people off them too. No one says the things Democrats say they said unless you get real creative with the edits and boy do Democrats know how to be creative with the slander and edits.

[@alexanderthompson4351]

Amazing retort! It really is great for us in the USA to see how others view us. Leads to introspection.

[@charltonblake9967]

I lived in poverty when we didn't have smartphones, internet, access to food pantries, and internet. Now a poor American is well off compared to the world. That said UBI would be pretty game changing for something like 94% of Americans.

[@iangrant3442]

It is all about good habits. Nutrition, financial literacy, personal development for life, multi-skilled and choosing your partner with care. My daughter's university and other costs are met. My hobby is trading. I love it............I just bought gold shares, (TSG) for my daughter's trust fund..........

[@AvgJane19]

@@iangrant3442 So your not poor and think "building good habits" is the solution to the literal millions of Americans in poverty....k.

[@qjtvaddict]

AvgJane19 yes combined with UBI

[@iangrant3442]

​@@AvgJane19 Good habits are part of the solution. I had to rebuild my life. Therefore I know the way. I will be wealthy again. It is just patience with a plan and goals.

[@abinjoseph9808]

UBI will not solve poverty. It will just make poor people on UBI. Most of this due to bad spending habits

[@santhanunarayan2699]

How about spending less on defence and more on social welfare?

[@dayspoiler4608]

dude it's America. still the only first world country with no free health but still always the first to wipe out a wedding party in afghanistan without any congressional ok.

[@Bobsaget80]

the only reason the US is wealthy is because of defence spending. Isn’t that obvious?

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

We have a lot of global responsibilities.

[@saltymonke3682]

Lol, social welfare program budget is already the majority spending in the Federal budget.

[@whathell6t]

Senad kl That’s easy for to say. You never been subjected to poverty or venture into a Food Bank.

[@sandraaviles-wilkes7036]

As an American it is embarrassing that we don’t take care of each other. We have a group of people that are thick headed and just refuse to acknowledge that if we come together as one we can solve our problems. They don’t understand “we the people” are the government and because of that we have found ourselves in darkness (it’s the only way for me to describe it). And on top of that we have certain people who make sure most of the population stays ignorant. It’s destroying our country.

[@chrisp2481]

I like that you pointed out that senior citizen poverty is so low. specifically because of programs

[@ohioitis200]

I;m not sure what you are talking about? Senor citizens spent around 40+ years working and paying the social security tax on top of federal and state taxes. Now most get less than $1,000 a month to live on, have to pay taxes on that, and pay for their medicare which does not cover all their medical bills and prescription meds, and usually only get around $15 in food stamp help. And let's not forget they paid taxes for those 40 years which pays for all the welfare programs. And they think there should be more programs created?

[@vlado2701]

Helpful video ! My deep respect dear The Economist !

[@jiokl7g9t6]

1) cut the U.S. military budget by 90% 2) put the money into social services, especially free healthcare and free education. Also mandate that healthcare and education MUST be non-profit 3) mandate a living wage as a minimum wage The solution is obvious; the people in power just don't want to give up their money theft.

[@Asa...S]

If she have two teenage kids, can´t they babysit their young sibling for a couple of hours in the evening so the mom could work a bit part time? Or can´t a group of parents come together and watch eachothers kids, so some of them can work part time?

[@cracticustibicen6374]

Åsa S Babysitting a toddler for hours most evening would distract the teenagers from their homework and after school activities. And it would be hard for the mother to find work that fits those hours. Sharing childcare would probably only work with parents who know and trust each other so it would be hard to organise.

[@JeffMorrisonAdventures]

You dont understand, the less fortunate want a magic quick fix solution, they dont want to have to change their behavior. They will tell their sob stories till the end of time when asking for money but only get mad if you suggest they change a self destructive behavior. That's from a man who went from I'm debt with a worthless degree to a very respectable portfolio in 4 years all from a low skill blue collar industry.

[@ArmyRangerSJ]

@@cracticustibicen6374 I watch 2 of my baby siblings, I go to school, have a job and my parents with a total of 8 kids has never paid child care. So obviously they're doing something wrong.

[@CrimsonEclipse]

Cracticus tibicen truth be told I knew several people with large families. My best friend has 6 younger siblings and she took care of them all the way to college. She didn’t get paid and she had decent grades in school, she was able to do well and never got in trouble. She was able to go to college. Her family never gotten a babysitters. Some families also don’t trust paying strangers or day care workers to watch their own child because at the end they don’t have personal connections with the child and only making money off of people. Too many stories of baby sitters and day care workers neglect and abuse kids. They only treat your kids as a job and work by the hours. Also having older siblings bond with younger siblings also create responsibilities and relationships growth with each other.

[@lilahb.8698]

Shaque Johnson but is it fair to pin part of raising a kid on a teen? Not at all, in my opinion. Do what you have to do, but kids should only have to worry about school-not playing with baby sister. It’s alright to help out, but using your children as childcare isn’t fair to the teen.

[@papapeedo]

In watching this, and in listening to the patients I treat. It seems to me that the first things that needs to be done is to calculate the average cost of living for a 2 bedroom apartment and a 2-3 bedroom single family home (and average that out), and the essentials such as Garbage- Electric-Heat- and 1 average vehicle per household with insurance (to get to and from work)- and 1 phone line (so people can communicate with work and school and family)- and internet access (for children to complete their studies- and average food costs- and Set Then RESET the Poverty Level to a "fair" level! ALSO - reset the tax policy for single parent families so they can "write off" child care expenses- A single parent cannot work if they can't afford child care- and I am pretty sure the goal is for adults to work and contribute to society-contribute to SS and medicare and such

[@Scott-by9ks]

Lisa Finley, both married and single parent households can claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It is a tax credit, so it's actually better than a deduction. I think it is flawed though, it only allows for only $3000 for the first dependent and a maximum of $6000 for 2 or more. My brother spends $12000 a year for 1 child. They live in the Seattle area.

[@Scott-by9ks]

I disagree that the "average" should be taken. America's average is not in poverty. I also disagree that a car is necessary, at least in any metro that has a bus system. Cars ARE for the middle class and the wealthy. If you said we should take the cheapest 20% of housing, a shopping list recommend by a dietitian, (40% of water, electric, sewer, trash, heat, internet an mobile service for each adult in the household) plus 50%/average health care costs, then yeah I could agree. But to me you can't be average and still be in poverty in America. Average IS middle class!

[@abinjoseph9808]

Maybe less single parents?? Seriously all this baby mama bullshit is just creating adshole kids with no dad's and feminist mom's who have almost no education

[@RK-ve4xp]

Rather disincentivize single parents. Provide more tax benefits for people staying together. Provide more benefits for fathers who choose marriage and raising children. Provide more child care allowance for working father. Provide more tax benefits for working fathers. That is the only way.

[@Scott-by9ks]

@@RK-ve4xp I agree on the childcare part of your statement. Currently the dependent care tax credit caps at $6000. My brother and his wife spent $12000 last year on childcare in the Seattle area. They have 1 child who started preschool this year so their childcare cost is half that but they only have 1 child so their cap is $3000. I'm sure the cost of raising a child is the number one thing on people who are considering having children or more children. Its the main reason my wife and I only have 1.

[@caracrabtree715]

The problem with getting your children out of poverty is that if you're in a poor area, schools struggle for supplies. Schools should be the same across the board, but education gets cut every year for decades, pay rates remain lower than inflation, etc. Housing has gone up 300% as other goods and services.

[@pastorgootladorababu323]

Greetings to you in Jesus name! This is pastor Gutla Dora Babu from India working for our Lord Jesus Christ among Hindu people in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the same time I try my level best to show the love of Christ un to needy people in deeds. I am a small village pastor, we have small three cell groups. Please pray for our family and for our ministry needs!

[@neouto]

Important topic, but don’t like the vlog like format

[@troymann5115]

As a person who grew up in poverty in the US I can say this video has some things correct and some things not so much. Poverty is indeed changing from the stereotype of black, inner city demographics to one of whites, blacks, and hispanics who work service jobs but can fall on hard times. The so-called experts on the video should refine their understandings about what creates poverty. For example, incomes in the 30k to 40k range are middle class in some areas, while desperately poor in large cities. Also while there is some truth to intergenerational poverty there are many children who move into the middle class as adults IF and only if they get a decent education. Sometimes those in poverty relocate and get access to better pay. However calamity can happen to anyone, creating homelessness, joblessness and becoming a trap. My point is that poverty is complex and more dynamic than the intergnerational model everyone seems to agree on today. Circumstances can change in an instant. Poverty can happen to anyone. Its not like some inherited trait.

[@simp2234]

Look greatest country in the world

[@LearningEngineercom]

The War on Poverty was declared over before it really began and it did lift a lot of people out of poverty. It's just that a lot of the money went to poor black people while at the same time the poor were accused of being of poor moral character and so didn't deserve the money or that it was creating intergenerational dependency.

[@rawiphamookto7162]

Please can I ask you something

[@pastorgootladorababu323]

Greetings to you in Jesus name! This is pastor Gutla Dora Babu from India working for our Lord Jesus Christ among Hindu people in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the same time I try my level best to show the love of Christ un to needy people in deeds. I am a small village pastor, we have small three cell groups. Please pray for our family and for our ministry needs!

[@bustersbrounce3047]

Maybe because we pay federal taxes, social security tax, state tax before we even get a paycheck. After we pay real estate tax, county property tax, HOA fees and sales tax. On top of that add on vehicle registration fees, license plate renewals, drivers license renewal, and I’m sure I’m forgetting a few more.

[@apprentice0nash]

Seriously? You’re more concerned about the taxes than the suppressed wages from poor regulation and inflated rents/home prices due to speculative investors? Capitalism is the problem. Absentee ownership should not be tolerated, especially for single family residential properties. If you don’t live in the home then you shouldn’t be able to own the home. Government tax policy along with certain regulations are problematic, but they are minor compared to the problems of capitalism. This is coming from someone who doesn’t believe in income tax or property tax on owner occupied housing, we should instead have a wealth tax and business tax (for the use of land in the pursuit of profits).

[@likira111]

If you spent those taxes on something other than war you would have less poor peoplel

[@V3ritas1989]

2019 and ppl still cannot set up their microphones properly...

[@beluwuga2229]

Veritas B. ok

[@kimberlydavis5034]

This is a bigger problem than people in even know happening in the United States of America. Even the middle class population of the United States of America is struggling. More than 70% of people live paycheck to paycheck. 65 percent of most people's income goes to paying rent or mortgage etc. The problem a lot of basic living expenses for a family in many areas have gone up. For an example say the area your family is living in, basic living expenses is an average of $30,000.00 a year. Then suddenly in that area the cost of basic living jump up to $60,000.00 and basic income stay at $30,000.00 you cannot survive.

[@livaskiodavid3094]

Very important report. Thank you for the investment.

[@kate8160]

Poverty is a big problem... children cannot get out of poverty because of parents not earning enough. Parents cannot earn more because they have small children, someone needs to sit with them. Have u realized that many people in poverty are religious? This is a vicious cycle dictated by church and politicians who are interested in having blind, inexpensive labor power. American system sucks, obviously: no health insurance, no welfare. However, people have brain, and logic. Instead of having children randomly, get a job and sufficient income first, so ur children won’t face poverty :/

[@here_we_go_again2571]

katel, Organized religion, politics and government are about the control of people. Religious leaders like to keep their followers stupid and docile. Politicians want a go-to political base and governments want to regulate.

[@wturner777]

Had those women kept their legs closed, they wouldn't be having this conversation in the first place. People are always having kids too early in life and they soon realize that kids are very expensive and will require extra care. Some girls have kids while still in high school and what's worse, the father bails because he said he not ready to be a dad. That often forces them to either drop out of school and sacrifice their future for their child, or put the baby up for adoption and continue school. This is sad indeed. 😢

[@carlgharis7948]

​@@wturner777 which this is just another thing on the long list of problems

[@carlgharis7948]

@@here_we_go_again2571 2 ( so called developed countries) in the world are over 50% religious 1) the U.S. and 2) Kuwait. Well the U.S. I wouldn't call it a developed country. And as for Kuwait 95% of the people practice Islam and many inherent oils money granted I don't know very much about day to day life in Kuwait. However I do know that people are living far better in other western nations as apposed to the U.S. and you don't have as many people trying to force religion down your throat.

[@russellstone6390]

Pay a living wage !

[@russellstone6390]

@@logbia7k608 it's a @&^%ed up world we live in, yet I understand that point.

[@russellstone6390]

@@logbia7k608 not in NYC, maybe in Oklahoma, New Mexico or St. Louis, the midwest states.

[@russellstone6390]

@@logbia7k608 to poor to move and start a new life.

[@russellstone6390]

@@logbia7k608 I get your point.

[@russellstone6390]

@John Picardo09z how many people are getting paid what they aren't worth ? CEOs went to school, yet they are on welfare ! The richest companies in America don't pay taxes, likewise, the rich.

[@auro1986]

it's these mergers, super markets, and malls

[@Eric345]

Poverty in America will be considered middle or even upper class in most foreign countries.

[@CrimsonEclipse]

It’s always interesting to see how low income people always have more kids than people with high income. So far having children should be planned but many people don’t plan on having kids. They just have them without the means to take care of them and expected charities. Especially lacking stability in work. Most pragmatic people would think before they act. Would plan before locking themselves into a commitment that they can’t afford. You want the best for your child but you don’t have the best for yourself or even the best situation to begin with. Why have a child when you can’t even take care of yourself?

[@sveingeraldhansen7275]

You see it all the time, if we go back to around 1900 we had the same in Norway. Big families with 10 children. And we see it in Africa with a lot of children. Some of it is because of the Health Care, Education and Religion.

[@CrimsonEclipse]

svein gerald hansen the difference between people who lives in the first world cities and people living in the 3rd world and in pre-1900’s is environmental conditions and social economic. The reason to have that many kids in the past or even in the 3rd world was because children would most likely die due to diseases and there isn’t child labor laws. Children was considered resources not burdens since children were used as free labors for the family. Multiple helping hands will make income for the families. The problem in the first world is child labor laws and also abundance of resources from the government to help raise children and modern medicine to help these kids to stay healthy as well. There are free healthcare for low income children and free vaccinations programs. Children in the first world don’t help contribute to family financially but cost money and resources instead. In the past or even 3rd world is having more children was a chance to survive, a chance to help contribute back to the family. The little kids could be earning money elsewhere and bring it home or help at the family farm to grow food. Also due to harsh conditions and diseases they also have low life expectancy as well.

[@sveingeraldhansen7275]

@@CrimsonEclipse Well said

[@sveingeraldhansen7275]

@@CrimsonEclipse But you forgot religion , it also have had a huge influence. Abortion was prohibited, and still is. Where Catholics with much money can buy space in heaven. But has been very strict with abortion. Have you seen Monty Pythons: "The Meaning of life." Where it is caricatured.

[@CrimsonEclipse]

svein gerald hansen so far most of the catholic I see who has a lot of kids are mostly from the developing countries or immigrants families from developing countries or the 3rd world. Places like Italy has really low birth rates and they are predominately Catholics. Even Mormons who usually has large families tend to be well off and has a stable structures due to their religious communities support. It usually depends on their upbringing and environments. About abortion. I’m not for or against. Some time abortion is necessary, but I think too many people are just ignorant about abortion in general. Over Millions of people that aren’t fetus died from abortions worldwide annually. Late term abortion is also the most risky as well. Abortion should be the last options. Prevention is cheaper and safer. But so far people who refused to look into birth control and treat their lives recklessly tend to live impulsively. Also why the hell so many people now a days are having unprotected sex? Whatever happened to the fear of STDs? At least people can get abortion if they don’t want a baby but HIV is for life. So far in the first world most people are educated in sex education in the public schools but it still doesn’t prevent reckless people being reckless.

[@jdnrotterdam2150]

Life is so easy in the Netherlands..

[@user-vu7dx3yl3g]

Economists who are saying in this article don't seem to be reliable.

[@owliealim745]

People assume if you gave a smart phone or a flat screen TV you're not poor...

[@carlgharis7948]

ya that was the case 15+ years ago. Granted it use to be if you had indoor plumbing you weren't poor. That was around 1915..

[@Scott-by9ks]

Your claim that America's poverty line is 26% of the median household income is not accurate. You said that the poverty line in America for a family of 4 was $25750, which is not near 26% of the median household income in 2017 of $61372. Now the median household size in America is 2.6 people, not 4. For a family of 3 the poverty line is $20780 but that is still not below 26% of $61372! In fact 26% of the median household income in 2017 is $15956.17. A household of 1 would not be in poverty with this income! Poverty line for a single person household is $12140. Now the facts are that a single person living independently would not be able to cover all their basic needs with a salary this low anywhere in the country. Even people working full time on minimum wage need support and assistance as a single person not responsible for anyone else. Even though minimum wage is $7.25/hr where I live, just to rent a bedroom will cost you about $600/month. With that you would typically get water, sewer, cable, internet, electric and use of common areas. Still, that means you are working 2 weeks just for a private bedroom, never mind food, transportation, health care, or any other necessities. In the US there are people that work 100+ hours a week that struggle. Many of them dug themselves into a hole early in life with student loans (with no degree) legal fees, or health care debt and they never recover. Many will move into a shadow economy and never fully participate in the legitimate workforce/economy.

[@rookieman329]

wow, detailed!

[@brianaisawesome6580]

The povertyline at which you can apply for benefits might be what shes talking about.

[@jasondavis3521]

You should be the reporter.

[@silversolver7809]

Good post. It would be impossible to cover all the main configurations of households in a short video, perhaps the info you mention is in the detailed supporting documents [I haven't looked]. Family of 4 is a reasonable snapshot to take, as 2 kids is the most popular family size. Single people would be a very different picture of course, but raising kids is probably the most demanding & stressful thing we do, so it's fine by me to focus on them.

[@Scott-by9ks]

@@silversolver7809 It is a common misconception in America, most people assume a household is a nuclear family with a mom, dad and 2 children living with them but the most common household type is a married couple without children living with them. Most married couples either don't have children or their children are adults.

[@Expert-zv8kt]

I mostly watch these videos for the informational, not for a personal side of the reporters. When a read an article I don't expect the personal stories of the writers

[@elbacar4838]

I think that woman need to start controlling their internal clocks and stop having children they can’t support. I am saying women because they could control if they get pregnant or not . And many times their little surprise is not a welcome one by their mate 🤦‍♀️unwanted children that are use to get benefits or a man to stay in a relationship is a no no! Universal benefits? What next a nany at home ,always trying to reword the ones that screw up 😡

[@KeshavRamola]

Preach!!!!!!!!! I wonder what that little girl will grow up to be like if her mum is already tired and has spent years raising two teens

[@elbacar4838]

We are so worry about not hurting people’s feelings .that someone should say something when something is wrong. it is her right to reproduce, but what about the child? Who cares about the ones that didn’t ask to come into this world. They are going to compete with people that have more assets and more education and to bring more children into this world under this conditions is just unfair......😢

[@radar0412]

The first and easiest step to take is exempting the first $25,000 from federal and state income tax. The rest of us would have to pick up the Tax burden, but that would be ok with everyone with the exception of Republican reelection Consultant's. That's the easiest way to help THE WORKING POOR without having to create an ineffective government program.

[@misspatvandriverlady7555]

The face of poverty is just as varied as the face of wealth would be. No one solution will fix it, but making health care and preschool -to-junior college education universal would be a good start. Poverty becomes entrenched when sick people can't get care and ignorant people can't get educated.

[@kimroberts2704]

There are plenty of people that are educated and still struggle. College professors are not getting tenured positions like in the past. I consider that level of education acceptable. Many have to settle for adjunct positions that barely pay well. This is a complicated issue. You have to choose the correct career - IT & Healthcare seem to pay. Even architects are struggling because of outsourcing.

[@doom2avatar]

The part that annoys me is that people live in single family homes in suburbs while poor. My family has had roommates for pretty much forever to be more financially secure. Sure safety nets need to happen but American culture is ridiculous

[@here_we_go_again2571]

doom2avatar, People who live outside of inner cities also have boarders. And, they also have extended family members living with them. In some jurisdictions permits are given for a homeowner to build on a "granny flat" for an elderly relative (usually, unless the house lot is large, just a first-floor room and bath w-joined utilities vs. separate meters)

[@faheemshaikh2694]

When u see poverty in our country u climb on the mountain & never reach to USA, UK

[@moneymanfernando1594]

If you give a poor person a fish , they eat for one day , if you teach them to fish they eat for a lifetime. Lesson : Education

[@teebone2157]

Many well educated cashiers with paw degrees

[@chelseagirl278]

Although I agree with the Diaper Project in principle, why not encourage everyone to use cloth whenever possible

[@pauladingle5189]

Because poor people don't have washers and dryers

[@TheNiroBlack]

Answer- Income disparity

[@Eric345]

Answer: Low income & IQ citizens shouldn’t be allowed to have children. Problem solved.

[@Eric345]

Eh Que Ok. Let’s get rid off welfare programs & see how many people continue having children. Especially, in minority communities.

[@TheNiroBlack]

​@@Eric345 I dont think its that easy to get rid of welfare programs. you may find a way to control birth rates but how would the people currently living off of social welfare provide for their families and survive themselves? .. . . are we gonna discard them just for the betterment of the country? ...are human lives that expendable?

[@Eric345]

Niro Black Yes. Human lives are expandable. (WW2 is great example) Why do you think families back then were huge. Because they knew most children wont make it to adult hood. Now most children do. So you cut back in having too many children. People on welfare are making tax payers foot the bill for their children. Welfare was put in place to help the working men in tough times. Not to support people that will depend on it forever!

[@TheNiroBlack]

@@Eric345 You are talking about war when it comes to expendability not in the current timeline. You are correct that they are getting benefited because of tax payers money and i agree with you that its unfair. However, if welfare gets cut off these people will have to rely to violance and crime to survive. Needless violence will continue, affecting the country to function hence affecting the economy.

[@belalrahim5835]

The world should help America

[@willowclay3137]

You have to think for yourself instead of depending on others to support you! Hustle!

[@teebone2157]

Generic reply

[@chrishung7582]

that background noise is too loud 1:38

[@unstephanie]

If you adjusted the US federal minimum wage ($7.25) for inflation, the actual minimum wage would be around $26. I feel if most Americans could know that there would be a lot more support for it. There is not a single US county, that you could work full-time with minimum wage, and pay your bills each month. Rent, food, utilities, etc.

[@pastorgootladorababu323]

Greetings to you in Jesus name! This is pastor Gutla Dora Babu from India working for our Lord Jesus Christ among Hindu people in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the same time I try my level best to show the love of Christ un to needy people in deeds. I am a small village pastor, we have small three cell groups. Please pray for our family and for our ministry needs!

[@vanbeet5105]

$25750 per year is greater than the average per capita income of 90% of the countries in the world

[@avva3802]

You should also consider the cost of housing, utilities, medical services, education. In poorer countries these prices are correspondingly lower. Therefore, we should talk about relatively purchasing power.

[@dayspoiler4608]

The numbers are also biased by huge CEO wages which are 20 times what they should be. The US has the lowest minimum wage in the developed world.

[@johnathanfiske14]

Honestly these images shock me to my core. Housing was only affordable in the past because the government intervened and was being competitive against communism. Once there was no economic rival the ruling class took as much as they could from the working class. Just something I noticed.

[@gertrudemccray8115]

Rural areas are more affected. No school, no hospital. If you're poor, then you have to depend on the cell phone. Then you have to pay data. I think people need to think about going back to the land to nourish us. We need money, but I think sometimes we'll have to swallow ego and ask for assistance where available. But then the government doesn't consider you indigent and deserves much needed help until you and your family are literally living on nothing. Some people just need a leg up, not a hand out. People also need to take responsibility on their part.

[@MostPowerfulPMofIndia]

This is because America could never give quality healthcare by making medical care very expensive and sophisticated. Even quality of education and other basic services is pathetic

[@mos5139]

@The Economist You write articles without bylines. So the same in videos. Don't introduce people. That will give you more credibility.

[@janiecel]

I think we misunderstand how abundant and well provided our lives are. The things we “expect” to be able to afford because others can vs taking a large scope of history and realizing it’s an extreme luxury.

[@lucianosuarez9563]

Hard times are coming up to you! ... get ready!

[@emuriddle9364]

They'll be telling this in the History Books: They key phrase that sparked all of this. "I don't owe you anything."

[@andrewbaumann2661]

Negative income tax for people on lower incomes.

[@nurulmaru]

It is interesting the sense of poverty of USA and Latin America countries like Brazil! I think poverty in Brazil is more likely to be called "misery"!!

[@davidmotyka4832]

Everything starts in the family. Broken or one parent families breaks the fabric of a whole society.

[@Chris-md1cf]

David, you break the fabric of my society

[@here_we_go_again2571]

@@Chris-md1cf Single parent families (most headed by women) have high poverty rates. Unmarried teens having children are a leading cause of poverty in USA. The reality is that children have more financial (and most of the time, emotional) security within stable, 2-parent families.

[@ejazrahim4183]

by sahring stuff to needy is a great deed especially to mothers and child.

[@joneshank1]

Every time a war is declared on something we loose!

[@marefiaso5162]

I would like to ask for help for my blind mother. If it's food, I can feed them. My mother just wants me to know that she has a house to call her. They are old.

[@pastorgootladorababu323]

Greetings to you in Jesus name! This is pastor Gutla Dora Babu from India working for our Lord Jesus Christ among Hindu people in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the same time I try my level best to show the love of Christ un to needy people in deeds. I am a small village pastor, we have small three cell groups. Please pray for our family and for our ministry needs!

[@jamesgutting7128]

So, only 1/8 for food these days whereas In 1960 families were devoting 1/3 for food? and we give them foodstamps to pay for the food.

[@jorgegarciamex]

question... if you give money to people to pay for child care expenses... wouldnt you also could be potentially incentivizing people to have even more children, which would make the situation worse? i have only 1 child, i do pretty well financially, i am thinking twice about a second child because of the high cost of living here in the US..

[@jwhatever7610]

I came across this and it's just shocking I knew you guys had a problem but this is just insane. We have child benefit in Canada geared to income and tax credits

[@carlgharis7948]

yes some people need to be fixed obviously

[@jesssimbajon7076]

If only its easy to give money or job,instead of talking about it over and over

[@ChristopherdeVilliers]

1:01 You talk about poverty at a table with more MacBooks on it than people...

[@RBuckminsterFuller]

Only poor people are allowed to talk about poverty?

[@emuriddle9364]

It doesn't mean they don't want to learn.

[@clowndriver5576]

Aight you can only talk about poverty using smoke signs.

[@cd4429]

poverty figures do not include how much they are given in benefits - food stamps, paid or subsidized housing, medicaid, etc

[@emuriddle9364]

Modern Conveniences are something we take for granted. Unfortunately, a lot of them are specifically tailored for the Middle Class. Which hits poor people with a Double Whammy. I get Free Laundry and Bus Services now. It's a big difference. No more wasting money on that. And now it can be used to tackle other Priorities.

[@yezzdizzey5357]

How about companies pay their workers a fuckin living wage? 🤨

[@nakosimpson7459]

watched it

[@nicholaskolpack6797]

Figure out if you can afford kids , before you make them. I bought my house before Lucy was born.Sara was born 3 years later. My wife never worked ,we did every thing on 1 paycheck. We had 0 help from anyone, our parents were dead, we had no sisters to watch our kids NOTHING ! We put the 2 girls through collage also. You must set yourself up and think things out or your going to have a hard time in life.

[@cj2k780]

UBI Universal Basic Income ANDREW YANG 2020!!! ANDREW YANG 2020!!! ANDREW YANG 2020!!! ANDREW YANG 2020!!! ANDREW YANG 2020!!!

[@eighties2274]

#yang2020

[@RK-ve4xp]

UBI will make things worse. The fundamental problem of poverty and other dysfunction is not govt or anyone else. It is the mind-set and attitude. The poor person surrounded by other poor persons or dysfunctional people will keep making the same choices that lock them into poverty or single parent-hood. Only way out is to make a determination to change oneself and one's habits and thoughts, and remove oneself from dysfunctional people and surround oneself with healthy and good people. This will gradually improve one into healthy, happy and wealthy person in life. The change lies in the mind of the person. Outer world can only give a hand or assist or point out direction. No more. More money can not solve all the problems. I guarantee that few years after UBI, people will clamor that there is more poverty and more money is needed etc. There is no end to this.

[@cj2k780]

@@RK-ve4xp Duh you imbecile we are not arguing that the war on poverty is in the right. Yang is only saying that our 20th century economy is headed towards an almost unavoidable collapse due to issues such as automation and job scarcity. Nearly every successful intellectual (etc. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg) will tell you the same thing regarding the United States, Gross Domestic Product, and Universal Basic Income.

[@mysterytoe1452]

Did The Economist look into the evidence for UBI in reducing poverty or improving child health outcomes and school success?

[@flowgema]

I am always amazed how reckless people are. So you can barely make it but you keep on having children😡

[@pastorgootladorababu323]

Greetings to you in Jesus name! This is pastor Gutla Dora Babu from India working for our Lord Jesus Christ among Hindu people in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the same time I try my level best to show the love of Christ un to needy people in deeds. I am a small village pastor, we have small three cell groups. Please pray for our family and for our ministry needs!

[@vilecrocodile9171]

0:56 she almosts gets it

[@Agtsmirnoff]

Stop outsourcing jobs to start

[@lyndafayesmusic]

As Anne Murray stated in one of HER interviews regarding the song "Buddy can you lend me a dime ?", it isn't so important that a millionaire can donate or give a couple million to his fellow man, It's important, that a "Someone on his last quarter---will" loan you a dime!" I believe in spiritual karma, and that putting God's music first (to those who enjoy it,) and in as many genres I can fathom, is of the utmost importance, especially during a time of crisis.

[@dakotayounger6988]

...get rid of the Central banks, the Federal Reserve, the IMF, BIS, etc as global monetary manipulators; get us back on a gold based currency to prevent "cartel" from sealing the wealth of the nations; and the great transfer of wealth would cease and people could once again afford their rents. The devaluing of fiat currency by these entities is the problem here.

[@minavilla5545]

Decentralisation of the monetary policy will be the key and removing the core control of power to those leading group

[@leokuraoka1082]

Great video. this is why im voting Andrew Yang

[@abinjoseph9808]

Ubi is nonsense.

[@leokuraoka1082]

@@abinjoseph9808 do the reasearch. listen to the economists. UBI is "obviously needed" according to people who would know.

[@abinjoseph9808]

@@leokuraoka1082 UBI is not needed. We need investment in education, infrastructure. Free money doesn't help anyone

[@leokuraoka1082]

@@abinjoseph9808 look at the data. "free money" is investing in the american people, and it does help everyone.

[@abinjoseph9808]

@@leokuraoka1082 free doesn't help anyone. How do you intend to sustain it economically???. In the end someone always pays and the money runs out. Iam not interested in band aides. Looking for solutions here

[@jefferee2002]

Just out of curiosity, why is there a British narrator for a news story on poverty in America?

[@FDSmith]

Because I've noticed that American news agencies tend to stay from these stories. So thankfully the news agencies from russia or the UK or some other country steps in to do the story.

[@jefferee2002]

@bill willcould you possibly spell correctly. It's "because".

[@jefferee2002]

@@FDSmith Oh. You noticed that. So therefore it must be true. Quite the scientific investigation you've obviously undergone.

[@FDSmith]

@@jefferee2002 lol!

[@FDSmith]

@ofvoypo mukoweza You bet there is.

[@voulathomacos-lagonas6133]

You want a better future....then invest in the young and families

[@k.ganesanganesan6825]

Mind culture increased Economics decreased

[@Scott-by9ks]

America already subsidizes families with children. The child credit gives families up to $2000/child but if you are too poor to owe federal taxes you get a refundable credit(free money)of $1400/child/year. So parents of dependent children under 17 get at least $116/month/child! There are also credits for dependent children over 17, up to 24 but the benefit is less, and there are income limitations but the vast majority of people with kids qualify. Sorry John Prideaux, you need to do more research!

[@euroschmau]

America is the land of boundless misery, but we do a very good job convincing ourselves it's the greatest society on earth!

[@here_we_go_again2571]

@ David O'Malley, And what utopia do you believe is the answer?

[@carlgharis7948]

We're worse then North Korea. How? Because too many people actually believe the nonsense. I don't think very many people in North Korea actually believe they're the greatest country. They'll say they do to keep Kim Jung Un happy. But I doubt many actually believe it or his nonsense.

[@alexgunawan98]

look at thumbnail, Their consumption is very scary.

[@raulosorio1781]

Being a report from the Economist they keep repeating that " the overall message is that poverty has declined since the 1960's". They decided to make a report on poverty but avoid to mention the real causes, and then "but poverty is still getting worse because it's becoming a lot more concentrated". The Economist doesn't see the contradiction in those statements. Distracting, omission, fake concern, this tells you that they won't let go of everything they have clutched in their greedy claws. How far are they willing to take the country?

[@wensoonsollutionhacksonins3180]

Poverty is a terrible thing in life I can’t imagine myself goes out of povertyAfter I met you eat

[@yjlconductor]

UBI would go a long way in addressing the poverty situation.

[@iamjerrygoins]

epic 🙌 stop by sometime!

[@blongvang8918]

Andrew Yang is the one. #HumanityFirst

[@jjeherrera]

"Poor families" with two cars, internet, computers and smartphones? Go and ask the homeless what poverty really is about! On the other hand, the problem is the high cost of living which is exacerbated by greed. $25,000. a year per household would be a very decent income in many countries.

[@RBuckminsterFuller]

Inequality is the problem. You only feel like you're doing well if you're doing as well as your neighbours. That's true anywhere.

[@Jimmy4video]

Yeah they should just commute every day from a third world country so they can pay their bills. Problem solved. /S

[@jjeherrera]

@@Jimmy4video NO! Landlords should be less greedy. Problem solved./S

[@Jimmy4video]

@@jjeherrera wow the world is very simple to you isn't it? If everything was cheaper we could all be rich. Genius 😂

[@jjeherrera]

@@Jimmy4video You've got it all wrong! It isn't a matter of getting rich. It's the greed of getting too rich what causes the situation described in the video.

[@lucaliberati5807]

The best sistem is doesn't transform normal people in poor guys !

[@bohemianchic638]

Income inequality and discrimination whether racially or gender inequality.

[@normanperez9096]

That's called Gentrification

[@jie890211]

yang2020

[@kimlibera663]

No we do not need another welfare system. We need to bring back all jobs from overseas so people have a place to apply for work. We need to get rid of farm subsidies that pays farmers to lock grain up in their silo when we should be the bread basket of the world. We need to allow urban centers & extreme rural centers to have access to better equipped schools.

[@billdooder2558]

What would republican Jesus do?

[@willowclay3137]

It you can't afford to feed yourself don't have a family yet! You need to be stable!

[@Blitznstitch2]

Pay people more. Solved.

[@shawnmichaelduncan5951]

Cut government spending. Allow manufacturing in this country. Cut government waste.

[@nathanweaver73]

You can't solve this issue by money or hand outs it's the cost of living and inflation you can't get much with money these days