One Nation, Underprivileged: Why American Poverty Affects Us All

by Mark Robert Rank

Despite its enormous wealth, the United States leads the industrialized world in poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged unravels this disturbing paradox by offering a unique and radically different understanding of American poverty. It debunks many of our most common myths about the poor, while at the same time provides a powerful new framework for addressing this enormous social and economic problem. Mark Robert Rank vividly shows that the fundamental causes of poverty are to be found in our economic structure and political policy failures, rather than individual shortcomings or attitudes. He establishes for the first time that a significant percentage of Americans will experience poverty during their adult lifetimes, and firmly demonstrates that poverty is an issue of vital national concern. Ultimately, Rank provides us with a new paradigm for understanding poverty, and outlines an innovative set of strategies that will reduce American poverty. One Nation, Underprivileged represents a profound starting point for rekindling a national focus upon America's most vexing social and economic problem.

Genres: Nonfiction, Economics, Social Work, Poverty, Social Justice, Social Science, Sociology

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2004

Reviews

[Billie Pritchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Rank's One Nation, Underprivileged shows the extent that poverty directly affects most American's lives and offers strategies to deal with these problems. Rank writes, "The typical pattern is that households are impoverished for one, two, or three years and then manage to get above the poverty line. They may stay there for a period of time, only to experience another fall into poverty at some later point." This flies in the face of the accepted opinion that poverty affects the very few. Yet the statistics show that "three-quarters of Americans will experience poverty or near-poverty during their adulthoods." This is a sobering reality.

Rank proposes several strategies that could be helpful in addressing this widespread poverty. The strategies include better paying jobs, access to social goods like health care and education, support for families in crises (like divorce or loss of a parent), and providing a social safety net for those who through bad luck or under duress fall into poverty. Rank admits that these strategies will not take place over night and they certainly won't take place without the free exchange of ideas and an informed citizenry making both grassroots efforts and political appeals to reform the way government deals with poverty.

[Cory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outlines the misconceptions and systemic causes of poverty in the US. For example, 60% of people will experience at least one year of poverty in their lifetimes. The vast majority of these are not in habitual or extended poverty, but are in poverty for a time and then will experience periods out of poverty. The economic vulnerability of those who have experienced poverty, however, puts them constantly at risk of falling back into poverty. This economic vulnerability is not due to an individual's motivation or ability, but due to the systemic risks experienced by those in or near poverty by our economic and social policies.

The idea in this book are generally well, supported by data, although, being a book advocating a certain viewpoint, it can be a bit biased in spots. The issues are explained well, but solutions to those issues are lacking in detail and are generally limited to fixes within the current system, which in the end are really only band-aid solutions. Overall, however, the point of the book is to raise awareness of the misconceptions that are placed on poverty with the hope that this will lead to greater changes.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Picture a game of musical chairs in which there are ten players but only eight chairs available at any point in time. Those who are likely to lose at this game tend to have certain characteristics that put them at a disadvantage in terms of competing for the available chairs (e.g., less education, fewer skills, head of single-parent families). However, given that the game is structured in a way such that two players are bound to lose, a deficiency in marketable attributes explains only who loses out, not why there are losers in the first place.”

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an eye opening book that I hope everyone will read. Here are some points from the book that made a big impact on my perspective.

As of 2004 35% of people in poverty are under 18. 10% about 65, an additional 31% between ages 25 and 64 suffer from a severe disability. The economy is like a game of musical chairs. With 8 chairs and 10 people playing it is set up for some people to lose. Maybe they are fat or slow but are they responsible for losing when it was set up to guarantee that some people would lose? There are a lack of jobs that support a family about the poverty line compared to the population.

Our country is set up on the principles of democracy, liberty, justice, and equality. If true, it is distinctly unAmerican to have poverty in our country. People living in poverty do not have resources to run for office, they do not have funds to hire lobbyists, with poor education they are less likely to be aware of current issues, they are vastly invisible in the democratic process. Liberty, how many people living in poverty have the resources to make choices about where to move, what new career to pursue etc. Poverty is bondage not liberty. Justice, people in poverty do not get to hire "dream teams" they often are represented by overwhelmed counsel who settle for guilty pleas with a bit less jail time. Equality, schools receive funds based on local taxes so poor areas do not have the funds to attract excellent teachers (competitive salaries) and get computers etc. This results in unequal education throughout our nation.

Citizenship. Being a citizen means we have privileges but also responsibilities. How many of us would want a jury of our peers if we are accused but think our time is too valuable for jury duty? Do we likewise make excuses so allieving the poor is not our responsibility? Support the safety net programs and help your fellow humans.

[Tressie Mcphd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book simply appeals to my sensibilities. You should know that before you read any review I give. I am inclined towards big, sweeping structural arguments that span disciplines and methods and literature to try to get at some cohesive "truth". This is one of those books.

Wilson likes to talk about structural poverty and, to an extent, a culture of poverty. Morrow likes to talk to an absolute extent a culture of poverty and a little inferior mental capacity thrown in for good measure.

Rank's trying to talk about individual characteristics that make people sensitive to poverty AND the structural system that is entirely predicated on the belief that some one, at all times, must be poor. Yo, get at me, Mark Robert Rank! That's my kind of argument.

It's a sweeping book in scope. It tries to integrate economic literature about economies and human capital theories with sociological theories about culture and family with ethnographic evidence about lived experiences of poverty with historical empirical evidence about how poverty is created. It's not quite Randall Collins sweeping but it's up there. Along the way Rank offers some evidence that is brilliant in how obvious it is. That's the best kind of evidence to me.

It's an academic book but not a stuffy one. If you do any kind of non-fiction reading you can read this. I have questions about his life path model but that is minor, minor mostly fan-girl stuff. It will contextualize almost every popular policy argument about poverty and poor people that you encounter. For that alone, I suggest you read it.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening survey of research and interesting perspectives on how to think about and address poverty. For example, the author's research indicates that poverty affects a majority of Americans: 58.5% will experience at least one year of poverty by age 70. His data contradicts the stereotype of the chronically dependent and unmotivated poor, describing instead a much larger group of Americans who are one paycheck away from poverty (more than half of households have less than $5,000 in assets). So the pattern is more like treading water until an illness or job loss sinks you under the poverty line, then fighting your way back.

The author clearly feels passionately about helping the poor, but instead of relying on emotional case studies, he methodically builds an argument backed by data at every step. He even addresses the moral aspects of fighting poverty, citing biblical references with equal academic rigor (almost sounds like a passive aggressive response to the conservative right who blame poverty on "rotten mothers.") In fact a major theme of the book is that poverty is a problem of systemic limitations rather than individual inadequacies. He uses the analogy of musical chairs--yes, there are unmotivated and undeserving people who don't get a seat, but shouldn't we be asking why there aren't enough seats in the first place?

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I plan to use this book in a first year seminar course that focuses on intellectual development, ethical development, and civic responsibility. What is grand about this book is that it presents the problem of poverty within the US and provides arguments and critical thought, provides an ethical argument, civic responsibility argument, and a set of solutions built from these well-reasoned arguments. The downside is that the writing is average and the author is redundant. Also although he tries his best to present both a conservative and liberal view of the argument it is clear that he leans to one side. But I think it will be enlightening for my students.

[Haley Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the distinct pleasure of knowing Rank, for better or for worse, so I'm biased. However, I think he does present a very accurate depiction of poverty in America. His solutions seem well-grounded and feasible, but daunting. It's not necessary to read the entire book. He pretty much beats a dead horse the last 150 pages.

[Kymberlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

With some small exceptions, I think this book does a good job of laying shit on the line and breaking down what's really going on with poor people in the United States. EVERYONE should read this book.

[Sharanya Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is lots of important information in this book and although it is sometimes a little hard to gain momentum it is very essential to understanding poverty and the plight of the impoverished in America.

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some important ideas to consider. However, I was disappointed that the author fails to build a cohesive argument.

[Reuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a professor at the Washington University George Warren Brown School of Social Work, and published in 2004, this was WashU's required reading for all incoming freshman in 2006.

[Jen Manning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some awesome information, but the statistics can make it a bit rough.

[Smash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really remarkable book. After reading this perspective on poverty, it is VERY hard for anyone to deny that poverty affects ALL OF US, not just the ones living in it. Change is desperately needed!

[Deb]

rec by APril

[Yenni Cabrera]

Great book!

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: One Nation, Underprivileged: Why American Poverty Affects Us All by Mark Robert Rank

In One Nation, Underprivileged: Why American Poverty Affects Us All, Mark Robert Rank offers a profound exploration of poverty in the United States, arguing that the issue transcends the individual experiences of the impoverished and impacts the entire society. Through a blend of empirical research, personal narratives, and sociological analysis, Rank presents a compelling case for understanding poverty as a systemic issue that affects economic stability, social cohesion, and overall quality of life in America.

Summary and Key Themes
Poverty as a Collective Issue: Rank emphasizes that poverty is not just an isolated problem affecting a minority of the population; rather, it is a societal concern that influences everyone. He articulates how rising poverty rates contribute to broader social issues, including increased healthcare costs, crime rates, and diminished educational outcomes. This framing challenges the common perception that poverty is merely a personal failing or a result of individual circumstances.

Empirical Evidence: Utilizing a wealth of statistical data, Rank illustrates the prevalence of poverty in the United States, citing that nearly one in three Americans will experience poverty at some point during their lives. He analyzes trends over time and highlights the growing divide between the wealthy and the poor, making a clear case for the urgency of addressing these disparities.

Structural Causes of Poverty: The author delves into the systemic factors that perpetuate poverty, such as inadequate wages, lack of access to quality education, and discriminatory practices. Rank dismantles the notion that hard work alone can lift individuals out of poverty, arguing instead that structural barriers must be addressed to create meaningful change.

Impact on Society: Rank explores the ripple effects of poverty on various aspects of society, including economic productivity and community stability. He warns that ignoring poverty can lead to significant social costs, straining public resources and fostering social unrest. By linking poverty to social justice, he highlights the moral imperative for collective action.

Solutions and Policy Recommendations: Throughout the book, Rank provides thoughtful policy recommendations aimed at reducing poverty and its associated impacts. He advocates for comprehensive reforms in welfare, taxation, and education systems, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of poverty rather than merely its symptoms.

Critical Analysis
One Nation, Underprivileged is a necessary contribution to the discourse on poverty in America. Rank’s writing is accessible and engaging, making complex sociological concepts comprehensible to a wide audience. His use of rich data and real-life examples enriches the narrative, grounding his arguments in lived experience and factual evidence.

However, while Rank offers a thorough examination of poverty’s implications, some readers may seek a deeper exploration of potential counterarguments or alternative perspectives on poverty alleviation strategies. The focus on systemic solutions, while critically important, could benefit from a broader consideration of grassroots movements and community-based initiatives that foster local change.

Conclusion
In One Nation, Underprivileged: Why American Poverty Affects Us All, Mark Robert Rank compellingly argues that poverty is a societal challenge that demands collective attention and action. By framing poverty within the context of social responsibility, Rank encourages readers to rethink their understanding of economic disparity and to advocate for systemic change. This book is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand the far-reaching consequences of poverty in contemporary America, making a powerful case for why addressing this issue is vital for the health and stability of the nation as a whole.

[Charro Sebring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsurprisingly, we chose the "do nothing" option laid out in this book and everything he said came to pass. To sum up: over the last 40 years jobs have become less attractive in every way; salary, retirement, health insurance, time off, and instead of passing legislation to encourage making jobs more attractive legislation is passed to make welfare LESS attractive, forcing people into low-wage no benefit jobs. This only encourages corporations to continue cutting pay and benefits while profiting handsomely with stock buybacks and ludicrous executive pay. We look at poverty backwards, we punish poor people instead of punishing corporations who think it's ok to expect people work for them for below a living wage.