"An excellent introduction to the debate about poverty in America. He emphasizes how little we still know about this critical problem. Poverty in the land of plenty remains a mystery." --Lawrence M. Mead, author of The New Politics of Poverty "A thoughtful analysis of one of America's most vexing social problems. Kelso eschews the platitudes of both left and right to examine the intractable nature of poverty and its diverse causes. He is especially insightful in his dissection of the role culture plays in poverty--and for the concern government should have for the character of its citizens." --Linda Chavez, author of Out of the Barrio: Toward a New Politics of Hispanic Assimilation "Kelso's book provides an excellent overview of poverty and the underclass in American society, along with perceptive observations about how contemporary views of the poor are changing." --Kenrick S. Thompson, Professor of Sociology, Northern Michigan University
