The United States has always had a class of people who work as hard or harder than most other people, but live in poverty with little chance of escape.
Some economists blame unrestrained capitalism.
Others see this economic turmoil as a simple transition away from a manufacturing economy towards a new information economy. Producer John Biewen follows two low-income families, who talk about their hopes, fears, and frustrations as they slip further and further behind. Browse through producer John Biewen's suggested reading list or read Marjorie Kelly's related article about business ethics. Mail us .