The U.S. economy has grown considerably over the past three decades. However, there is a prevailing sentiment that the middle class and the poor have been left behind. Our results show evidence of considerable improvement in material well-being for both the middle class and the poor over the past three decades.

Income inequality has been increasing, according to standard statistics, yet most Americans do not seem perturbed by it.

In Family and Child Well-Being after Welfare Reform (Transaction Publishers, July 2003), AEI’s Douglas J. Besharov finds that welfare caseloads are down an amazing 60 percent since the beginning of welfare reform. Even in the weakened economy, caseloads have hardly risen. Are states wrongfully discouraging single mothers from seeking...

This book explores how low-income children and their families are faring in the wake of welfare reform.

The trend toward more income inequality and the small gains in real median family income since the 1970s are well known. Despite little growth in measured income, however, the typical family does not seem to be experiencing greater difficulty meeting its basic needs. And although income inequality seems to...

Here is another good news/bad news column about the 112th Congress.

Playgrounds have become boring – stripped of seesaws, slides, swings, and jungle gyms. Sledding on snowy hills in public parks is in legal jeopardy. Fear of being sued and fear of even the slightest risk are increasingly leading to a sedentary childhood, even if that leads to the far...

I learned to appreciate the American free enterprise system by quitting a job in Spain.At age 19, I dropped out of school to pursue a career as a French horn player. After a few twists and turns, I wound up in the Barcelona Symphony, which was a Spanish...