Parental socioeconomic status (SES) may affect a child?s educational outcomes through a number of pathways, one of which is the child?s health. This essay asks two questions: What evidence exists about the effect of parental SES on child health? And, what evidence exists about the effect of...

One of the most important public policy issues in the United States is how to improve the life prospects of disadvantaged youth who, in their formative years, face low-quality school systems, poor access to health care, and high-crime environments. The Problems of Disadvantaged Youth includes a...

Few United States government programs are as controversial as those designed to aid the poor. From tax credits to medical assistance, aid to needy families is surrounded by debate—on what benefits should be offered, what forms they should take, and how they should be administered. The past few...