The (Social) Justice League Book Club discussion
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$2.00 a Day
$2 A Day by Kathryn Edin
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$2.00 A Day Guiding Questions
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As a former foster parent to parenting teens who are now young adults, we see our kids struggle with many of the issues in this book. The support systems are not in place to allow those on the margins to succeed. We live in a world that increasingly depends on credit cards and checking accounts. Those without these things pay exorbitant service charges to pay with money orders or cash.
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Rebecca, thank you for sharing your experience. We need this important insight to create institutions that promote prosperity for everyone.
1. What does David Ellwood argue about the characteristics of a successful program to support poor families? What does he, as well as Edin and Shaefer, argue about the American people’s willingness to support programs for struggling families?
2. Do you think the federal government should play a more substantive role in creating and improving the quality of jobs than it currently does?
3. What are your thoughts on implementing a jobs program with support services? Given the unique obstacles that the $2 a day poor face on a daily basis, do you think the provision of support services such as mental health counseling, child care resources, and legal advocacy can help families like those profiled in this book find and maintain jobs?
4. Work opportunities for people who have physical limitations but don’t qualify for disability benefits are limited. As such, people like Martha find themselves joining the informal economy. Other than the small business incubator idea suggested by the authors, what are other creative ways to incorporate people like Martha into the formal economy?
5. In the end, Edin and Shaefer think social inclusion/social incorporation should be the guiding principle of aid to families who are poor. Why do they think this is so important, and do you agree?