Poverty, Employment and Distress

From the Economic Policy Institute, most people in poverty who are able to work are employed.

It turns out that a fair number of people are underemployed and/or holding low-paying jobs.  And from the Centers for Disease Control, lower income is significantly correlated with psychological distress.

Update (May 31):  Elias Isquith writes about the CDC study and refers to a reality show as an example of the "war on poor people".

Update (June 1):  The middle class is declining and the social safety net is being shredded. Combating poverty is hampered

by the brain’s tendency to “tunnel” in response to scarcity: whatever is most urgent, whatever unmet need is most pressing, fully “captures” the mind and crowds out all other concerns, questions, or tasks that would otherwise compete for attention. What to have for lunch, what to do this weekend, and what bills are due soon are all issues easily ignored when feeling the effects of scarcity.