Can a poor person get a good job?
The ability of a poor person to obtain a good job is complicated and influenced by several factors, as highlighted in the sources:
Barriers to Education and Training
Current U.S. policies often prioritize immediate employment over education and training, which can limit the long-term career prospects of poor individuals. Policies such as the federal welfare reform law of 1996 and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 have steered people away from pursuing higher education and towards short-term, often ineffective, training programs. This can trap them in low-paying jobs with little potential for growth1.
Economic and Structural Barriers
Poor individuals often face significant economic barriers to securing and maintaining employment. These include the costs associated with job searches, such as gas money, car maintenance, mass transit fees, and professional clothing. For many, these expenses are prohibitively high, making it difficult to even apply for or keep a job4.
Access to Quality Education
The working poor often come from communities with underfunded schools, which reduces their chances of receiving a good education. This limits their ability to attend college and secure better-paying jobs. Only about 30% of Americans obtain college degrees, and those with only a high school diploma have significantly limited job prospects3.
Job Market and Wage Issues
The job market itself presents challenges. Many jobs available to the poor are low-wage positions that do not cover basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, child care, and health care. The federal minimum wage has been stagnant since 2009, and the cost of living has increased, further exacerbating the problem. Additionally, the decline of labor unions has reduced workers' bargaining power for higher wages3.
Full-Time Work and Stability
While full-time work is often cited as a key factor in escaping poverty, the reality is that many full-time jobs still pay wages that keep workers in poverty. Data shows that even full-time workers can remain in poverty, especially if they are in low-wage positions. Job training and stable employment are crucial, but they must be accompanied by higher wages and better working conditions to be effective23.
In summary, while it is not impossible for a poor person to get a good job, the path is fraught with numerous barriers, including inadequate access to education and training, economic and structural obstacles, and a job market that often fails to provide living wages. Addressing these issues through policy changes, improved access to education, and better job opportunities is essential to helping poor individuals secure better employment.