For centuries, much of our nation's productivity and prosperity has been attributed to the work ethic that springs from the idea. When ordinary people believe that they labor within a fair system that rewards effort, they apply themselves more diligently. According to the National Academy of Sciences, some 30 million Americans live in families that face hardship despite employment. And yet, the ranks of the working poor have increased significantly over the last decade, encompassing families of every description. Unless Americans take steps now to counter this trend, it is likely to intensify in coming years.
Employment is vital to family economic security.
An expanding economy has produced more jobs, but fewer steady, full-time jobs offering a living wage and full benefits. Inadequate education and training depress the wages of many workers, creating a cycle of hardship. This cycle must be broken. Composing a New Social Compact Ending welfare as we knew it may be the kind of social crisis that leads to renegotiating a social compact based on childrens' and families' requirements for a decent life. This compact would require of all able adults personal effort, initiative, and responsibility.