Week 6 Overview

Public Benefits

Perhaps the most visible policy discussions about poverty in US culture are about public benefits. In this section of our course, we will explore key texts about how poor relief programs operate in capitalism, and how, in particular, racism and sexism shape poor relief programs in the United States.

 

WHAT TO DO BEFORE WE MEET

1. Read:

  • Frances Fox Piven and Richard A. Cloward, Regulating the Poor: The Functions of Public Welfare, Chapters 1, 8, 10.

  • Optional:
    • Goldberg v. Kelly, 397 U.S. 254 (1970) 
    • Shapiro v. Thompson, 394 U.S. 618 (1969) 

2. By Tuesday at 11am, post your reading analysis.

 

WHAT WE WILL DO WHEN WE MEET
  • Monday's class time is for your campaign group meeting.
  • Wednesday we will meet to discuss the readings.

 

WHAT TO DO AFTER WE MEET

1. By Thursday at 9am, post  a short post answering these questions:

  • What "aha" moments happened for you in class this week regarding these readings?
  • What is the "muddiest point" for you about this week's readings right now?

2. Complete your first Group Project Reflection by October 4.

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