David Brady on the Politics of Poverty

Americans have long been susceptible to certain myths about poverty, including that individuals become poor because of choices, as opposed to larger societal forces. This way of thinking has consequences, particularly at the level of policymaking. Our guest today has done foundational work challenging these persistent myths, as well as diagnosing what it takes for our political institutions to meaningfully address poverty.

David Brady is a professor of public policy at USC. His work is essential for understanding poverty, its causes, and how societies might address both through the political process. In this conversation with host Geoff Wodtke, he discusses interviewing state legislators about their handling of poverty, what it would take for the American political system to make more progress on the issue, and debating which is the more effective means for creating social change: institutions or protest.