Social solutions to poverty

The voices of famous and lesser known figures in America's quest to reduce poverty are collected for the first time in this comprehensive historical anthology. Traces the most important ideas and contributions of citizens, activists, labor leaders, scholars, politicians, and governmental agencies to ensure American citizens the basics of food, housing, employment, education, and health care. Each chapter is composed of three sections. The first includes a discussion of the social context of the time period, as well as a general overview of the solutions from each era. The second contains five to seven original documents (i.e., speeches, articles, and proposals) that highlight the various grassroots and elite plans. The third includes a discussion of the outcome of each proposal. From publisher description.