How welfare reform has had a negative effect on the children of single mothers

The 1996 welfare reform effort in the US shrank welfare rolls, moved people into work, increased the number of very poor and led to more antisocial behavior among children.  For the Economist.

Why Are Apple and Google Hosting an App That Subjugates Saudi Women?

Me in Slate: Absher  is used for a number of government services in Saudi Arabia, but it also allows Saudi men to specify when and where adult women under their “guardianship,” including unmarried daughters and wives, are allowed to travel. It is hosted by both Google and Apple.  This is bad.  

Women and the Future of Work: Fix the Present

A note for CGD.  There is a lot we don’t know about what automation will mean for jobs in the future, including its impact (if any) on gender inequality. This note reviews evidence and forecasts on that question and makes four main points: (i) Past automation has been (broadly) positive for women’s average quality of life, economic empowerment, and equality. (ii) Forecasts of the gendered impact of automation and AI going forward based on the current distribution of employment suggest considerable uncertainty and a gender inequality of impact that is marginal compared to the potential impact overall. (iii) The bigger risk—and/or opportunity—is likely to be in the combined impact of automation, policy, and social norms in changing the type of work that is seen as male or female. (iv) Minimizing any potential aggravating impact of automation and AI on inequalities in economic power in the future can best be achieved by maximizing economic equality today.

How equal rights can boost economic growth

For the Economist --gay marriage and more minorities in the workforce are good for the economy.  Patriotic heterosexual white men should support equality.

Americans want equality at work; less so at home

You can't have equality in the workplace if you don't have it in parenting and childcare.  Me in The Economist.

The gap between poor and rich neighbourhoods is growing

On stagnating regional convergence in the US.  In the Economist.

The Bogus Backlash to Globalization

Resentful Nativists Oppose Free Trade and Immigration—Don’t Appease Them.  Me in Foreign Affairs.

The American dream doesn’t exist in many neighbourhoods

Where and to whom you are born in the United States are both hugely important to life chances.  For the Economist.

Why is bankruptcy rising among older Americans?

In part because baby boomers have always been profligate.  For the Economist.

The perverse side effects of America’s harsh immigration policies

For The Economist.  Secure Communities lowers employment and access to the safety net among US citizens.

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