Brookings: Topics - Social Issues

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's $22 Billion Deficit

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), which protects the pensions of 44 million workers, announced a $22 billion deficit for fiscal year ending September 2009. Douglas Elliott analyzes the three main reasons for the PBGC’s financial troubles, and cautions that there are serious structural problems within PBGC that cannot be blamed on the financial crisis.

Encouraging Marriage Helps Everyone

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Can marriage decrease poverty? Higher marriage rates among the poor would benefit poor adults themselves, their children and the nation, says Ron Haskins. He argues that non-coercive programs that are delivered by community-based agencies can be effective. By helping couples who want to marry, the payoff to them, their children and society is potentially enormous.

Is the American Dream a Myth?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:24:00 GMT

Despite its status as one of the world’s leading economies, the United States is faced with high poverty rates and less economic opportunity than many other affluent countries. Senior Fellows Isabel Sawhill and Ron Haskins, argue that it will take a combination of personal responsibility along with smarter and better-targeted government policies to make the American Dream a reality for children and families now stuck at the bottom.

The "New Normal" For the U.S. Economy: What Will It Be?

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We are likely to enter a period of new normality marked by lower household debt, higher personal savings, and less consumption as a share of GDP, writes William Galston. Despite these positive trends, we still need a new era of public restraint, not just private thrift. Once economic growth has become self-sustaining and the private sector’s need for capital returns to more normal levels, Congress and the administration will have to turn their attention to the difficult fiscal questions they have long evaded.

Immigrant Incorporation and Local Responses

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The last two decades have witnessed unprecedented growth of the foreign-born population in new destination areas across the United States. At a session of the American Sociological Association annual meeting in San Francisco, Audrey Singer tackled the issue of immigrant incorporation in new U.S. destinations: its form and pace, variations by place, and varying responses by localities.

The Sequence of Personal Responsibility

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ron Haskins discusses personal responsibility and the three areas of personal decision-making in which the nation’s youth and young adults most need to learn and practice personal responsibility: education, sexual behavior and marriage, and work.

Health Care Reform: What Will It Take to Change Americans' Lifestyles?

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Proponents have high hopes for health care reform, but legislation is unlikely to alter personal behavior. What is needed today, writes Darrell West, is serious thinking about how to get Americans to lead healthier lifestyles. If we want health care reform to reduce costs and improve good health, we need a public education campaign emphasizing exercise, balanced diets and healthier living.

Policy Outlook for Immigration Reform

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is broad agreement that the nation needs to overhaul its immigration policies, but how to change national policy is shaping up to be a major debate. Sketching the policy outlook for immigration reform, William Galston divides the problem into the specific issues that new immigration legislation must confront: overall level of new legal permanent residents to be admitted; the role of family reunification; employment and skills; making the new law responsive to economic change; enforcement; coping with past policy failures, and integrating the new arrivals.

Language Needs and Abilities in the Nation's Capital

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At a forum marking the five-year anniversary of the Language Access Act in the District of Columbia, Audrey Singer spoke about language needs and abilities in the nation's capital, including limited English proficient speakers and linguistically isolated households.

Protecting Household Income during the Economic Crisis

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As unemployment continues to climb, questions have arisen as to whether the stimulus package is working, how well it was designed and when it will have an impact. Gary Burtless examines its composition, finding that efforts at creating a social safety net and fiscal relief for the states were appropriately targeted and are working.

The Choice Architecture of Automatic Enrollment in Health Insurance

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As discussion advances on healthcare reform and expansion of coverage in the U.S., the health insurance enrollment process takes on heightened importance. Jeffrey Kling looks at the issues through the lens of behavioral economics – using both psychology and economics to understand individual decision-making.

The Damning Paradox of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" forces soldiers to lie about or hide their sexual orientation to keep from being discharged. Peter Singer believes it is time for President Obama to fulfill his campaign pledge to end the policy so that patriotic and capable military members can focus on national security instead social politics.

A Guide to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Chrysler and GM face bankruptcy proceedings and restructuring, the Senate held a hearing on whether the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has the capacity to insure the pensions of nearly 44 million Americans who work or have worked at those firms. Douglas Elliott explores the particulars of the PBGC, the precarious situation that the automotive industry finds itself in, and offers 14 possible solutions to the problems that plague the government’s pension program.

Promoting Economic Mobility by Increasing Postsecondary Education

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many low-income students miss out on college because they don’t know how much it actually costs or how to get access to billions of dollars in financial aid, says Ron Haskins. That’s why improving the equality of educational opportunity—a traditional American value—is one key to promoting economic mobility for disadvantaged students.

Federal Expenditures on Infants and Toddlers in 2007

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite extensive research documenting the benefits of investing in young children, infants and toddlers are underrepresented in the federal budget, researchers from the Brookings and the Urban Institute found. The nation’s 12.5 million children under age 3 are 4.2 percent of the population, but they received just 2.1 percent—$44.1 billion—of federal domestic spending in 2007. Domestic outlays, which exclude defense, homeland security, and international affairs, totaled $2.1 trillion.

Understanding China’s "Angry Youth": What Does the Future Hold?

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 29, 2009, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

On April 29, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings hosted an event on China’s "angry youth" to explore the characteristics of this unique segment of Chinese society – their views, values and behavior.

The Future of Liberalism

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 16, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

On April 16, William Galston moderated a discussion with Alan Wolfe, author of The Future of Liberalism (Knopf, 2009), on how the liberal tradition can influence and illuminate contemporary debates on issues such as immigration, abortion, executive power, religious freedom and free speech. E.J. Dionne, Jr. and Ross Douthat offered their thoughts on liberalism’s roots and how it can be applied to today’s problems.

The Fiscal Effects of Investing in High-Quality Preschool Programs

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Children living in families with low incomes and those with poorly educated parents are much more likely than other children to grow up to be adults with less education, lower incomes, poorer health, and shorter lives, all of which severely impact federal, state and local budgets. William T. Dickens and Charles Baschnagel examine the effects of investment in selected prekindergarten education programs in a growth model of the U.S. economy to judge the impact they would have on these budgets.

Previewing the Summit of the Americas

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 14, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

The Obama administration faces a number of challenges in Latin America. The fifth Summit of the Americas offers leaders of the Western Hemisphere an opportunity to partner on a new and robust agenda that spans global economic, social, energy and climate change issues. On April 14, Brookings experts discussed the critical issues facing the leaders attending the summit and proposed recommendations for action.

Strengthening One-Stop Career Centers: Helping More Unemployed Workers Find Jobs and Build Skills

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Each year One-Stop Career Centers help millions of unemployed and disadvantaged workers find new jobs and opportunities for advancement. Unfortunately One-Stops are hampered by poor accountability and a lack of adequate funding. Louis S. Jacobson proposes a new approach to One-Stops that would increase cost effectiveness, reduce unemployment and underemployment, and provide a more highly skilled workforce.

El Salvador’s Democratic Test

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora analyzes the election of Mauricio Funes as El Salvador's new president. Casas-Zamora argues Funes faces an uphill battle in preaching moderation, but that the U.S. would do well to welcome his election and offer him tangible support for key social reforms.

Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 13, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

In a recent New York Times op-ed, Brookings scholar Jonathan Rauch and co-author David Blankenhorn argue that linking federal civil unions to guarantees of religious freedom is a way to head off a long-term, scorched-earth debate over gay marriage and religious liberty. On March 13, Rauch and Blankenhorn discussed their proposal at a forum moderated by Brookings Senior Fellow William Galston.

Arriving at a Compromise on Gay Marriage

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings expert Jonathan Rauch and David Blankenhorn of the Institute of American Values joined Neal Conan on Talk of the Nation to discuss a federal compromise on the issue of same-sex marriage.

Prince William County Case Study: Immigrants, Politics, and Local Response in Suburban Washington

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The failure of federal immigration reform in 2007 has reverberated in some fast-growing local areas, including in Virginia’s Prince William County—where community leaders and residents successfully organized to pressure county government to crack down on illegal immigration. Following these trends for a year, Audrey Singer, Jill Wilson and Brooke DeRenzis have completed a case study of the local, regional, and ultimately, national factors that led Prince William County to adopt new policies toward unauthorized immigrants.

A Reconciliation on Gay Marriage

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In their New York Times opinion, Brookings expert Jonathan Rauch and David Blankenhorn of the Institute of American Values offer a federal compromise on the debatable issue of same-sex marriage.

Michelle Obama’s Balancing Act

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michelle Obama stepped into the policy spotlight as first lady on Thursday at President Barack Obama’s signing of the equal-pay bill. How might Mrs. Obama bring her voice to issues of work-life balance? Rebecca Blank comments on what issues Mrs. Obama should elevate.

From Prison to Work: A Proposal for a National Prisoner Reentry Program

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Around seven hundred thousand mostly low-income and minority men and women are released from prison each year. Returning to lives of low wages and high rates of unemployment, about two thirds will be rearrested within three years. Bruce Western proposes a national prisoner reentry program whose core element is up to a year of transitional employment available to all parolees in need of work.

The Scouting Report: Decrease Poverty and Increase Opportunity

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 26, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Too many Americans leave school with inadequate skills, and too many working families struggle to make ends meet. Greater investments in economic opportunity are needed to reduce poverty and increase future economic mobility for today’s poor children. On Wednesday, November 26, Brookings Senior Fellow Rebecca Blank answered questions during a web chat with Politico about poverty in the United States and creating opportunities for American families.

Recent Immigration to Philadelphia: Regional Change in a Re-Emerging Gateway

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Immigration to metropolitan Philadelphia has been rising recently after several stagnant decades. This paper examines recent trends in immigration to the region with attention to the varied immigrant groups, the opportunities they bring, and the challenges for policymakers, service providers, and communities across the area. The report argues for the development of a Regional Council on Immigration to best address the needs of the area’s newcomers.

Campaigns For and Against Same-Sex Marriage

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Same sex couples are missing from the advertising wars over Proposition 8, the constitutional ballot initiative on whether to retain or reject same-sex marriage in California. As Brookings scholar Jonathan Rauch, the absence of same sex couples from California's same-sex marriage debate makes for an oddly hollow discussion.

How The Real World Ended “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer analyzes the history of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy which allows gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve in the U.S. military as long as they stay quiet about their sexuality. Singer argues a world shaped by reality television has created a new generation of troops more open to allowing homosexuals in the military, and that during this difficult time for recruiting and retaining talent, the military should embrace those willing to serve.

What is the Role of Courts in Making Social Policy?

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Russell Wheeler and Stuart Taylor engage in a NewTalk discussion on whether it's possible for judges to apply the law in court cases without making or affecting social policy.

Gay Marriage Is Good for America

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Rauch argues the importance of same sex marriages in America. He writes that marriage stabilizes communities by formalizing responsibilities and creating kin networks, thereby cementing the foundation of civilization.

Moving to Opportunity

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jeffrey Kling talks about housing policy, in particular about the use of housing vouchers in a speech given to the French Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Solidarity.

Why Are Women Still Not Running for Public Office?

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Women in the United States remain severely under-represented in our political institutions. Jennifer Lawless and Richard Fox argue that this is because women do not run for office at the same rate men do. They offer guidance to organizations and individuals seeking to increase the number of women in elected positions.

Can Raúl Castro Revive Cuba's Private Sector?

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

No single U.S. move would have a greater impact on the direction of Cuban reform than the lifting of travel, trade and financial restrictions, argues Raj Desai. Although Washington's options are severely limited by the current political-economic mood in Latin America, the United States can clear a path for a reformist Cuba to seek its own solutions and to understand the tradeoffs involved in different reform strategies.

Twenty-First-Century Gateways : Immigrant Incorporation in Suburban America

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Written by an interdisciplinary group of experts, this book provides in-depth, comparative analysis of immigration trends and local policy responses in America’s newest gateways.

Souled Out : Reclaiming Faith & Politics After the Religious Right

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

E. J. Dionne explains why the era of the Religious Right—and the crude exploitation of faith for political advantage—is over.

Public Oversight Roundtable on Eliminating Poverty Among District Residents

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the D.C. City Council Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs, Alice M. Rivlin presents recommendations for reducing poverty in the District. She gives examples of education and training programs that could be funded in the FY2009 budget and reviews longer-term workforce development strategies.

The Future of Red, Blue and Purple America

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A key contributor to political polarization in the U.S. frequently overlooked is the demographic and geographic changes in the electorate that have altered the sizes of different population groups and even shifted their political orientations over time. Brookings Ruy Teixeira examines the new wave of demographic and geographic changes currently washing over the U.S. and their profound effects on future politics.

On the Right Track? Iran Edges toward Education Reform

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

With Iran's recent move to adopt into law the guidelines to eliminate the national university entrance examinations, Brookings Scholar Djavad Salehi-Isfahani discusses the importance of educational testing and the historical significance of this large exam.

Shopping and Happiness

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

It's supposed to be the "most wonderful time of the year." But for many Americans, the obligatory shopping that we do around the holidays results in more stress and less contentment. Carol Graham considers how shopping affects our happiness levels and whether ratcheting down our consumption will make us more or less content as a society.

Business Bookshelf: Surprised by Opportunity

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Visiting Scholar William Easterly reviews William Duggan's recent book Strategic Intuition: The Creative Spark in Human Achievement.

Youth Exclusion in Iran: The State of Education, Employment and Family Formation

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Iran’s large youth population has led to overcrowding in schools, gender imbalance in the marriage market and increased pressure on the nation’s rigid formal labor market. By focusing on three crucial transitions, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani and Daniel Egel analyze the challenges facing youth in Iran and opportunities for the country to tap into its demographic dividend.

Protecting Overseas Workers: Lessons and Cautions from the Philippines

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ruiz and Agunias discuss how a membership-driven welfare fund like the Philippines’ Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) can benefit migrants in a number of ways.

The Wedding Shortage

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Marriage, long the centerpiece of Middle Eastern life, is in crisis. The reason: a new generation of young men cannot afford to marry--a fact that's destined to exacerbate many of the region's social and political problems.

On the Social Desirability of Urban Rail Transit Systems

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Despite a decline in its mode share, investment to build new urban rail transit systems and extend old ones continues. Clifford Winston and Vikram Maheshri estimate the contribution of each U.S. urban rail operation to social welfare based on the demand for and cost of its service.

The Three Faith Factors

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

John Dilulio examines three types of religious influence in relation to relevant research on urban crime and delinquency. This social trinity of "spiritual capital" can help low-income urban children, youth, and families. As a result, he argues, we should include federal research on spiritual capital and how it can help to prevent teenage pregnancies, reduce public health problems, combat illiteracy, among many other vital social goals.

Facing Up to Racial Disparity: Daunting Realities Hinder the Drive For Equality

Wed, 01 Mar 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Christopher H. Foreman, Jr. (Spring 2000)

Values and Public Policy

Fri, 17 Dec 1993 00:00:00 GMT

In this book, six distinguished social scientists identify trends in America's values and their consequences, and consider public policy tools with which some of those values might be changed.