Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Paul Gaffney
Abstract
The United States, often hailed as the most affluent nation globally, paradoxically grapples with rates of poverty, disadvantage, and inequality that surpass those of its advanced democratic counterparts. The persistence of poverty and inequality in the United States have often been justified by beliefs of welfare dependency, “free market” thinking and utilitarianism. This master's thesis explores the far-reaching moral, political, and economic consequences of America’s high rates of poverty and inequality. It contends that federal action is urgently needed on more robust social programs that target poverty, such as affordable housing, accessible healthcare, greater worker protections, and deepened social capital investments in high poverty communities that have historically been exploited.
Recommended Citation
St. Hilaire, Thomas, "POVERTY AND INEQUALITY: A NEW DEAL FOR AMERICA’S MOST DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 845.
https://scholar.stjohns.edu/theses_dissertations/845