1. In the article, “Why Private Donations Aren't Helping America's Poor”, Charles Kenny, tells why social protection cannot be completely trusted to charity, and why charity cannot replace government safety net in America. America holds 10th position globally, with respect to income equality. More than 50% of the country’s wealth is owned by just 3% of the American population. Though rich American make donations to charities, these donations tend to fall during the recession, when the need for support is at the highest. In addition, only 12% of the total charity amount is spent on human services. Though Americans are twice good donors than U.K, the amount spend for the poor and homeless is 25% lesser than the average spend in U.K. The role played by the charity in domestic charitable relief in America is low and it is further reduced during the recession when the need for help increases. In spite of the taxes and transfer policies, U.S stands 4th globally with respect to the highest level of inequality. The poor people are highly dependent on government social support system and the assistance received from charity is very weak when compared Britain. For the above reason, charity cannot replace government support to alleviate poverty. (Kenny)
2. In the article titled, “What would happen if we gave people money?”, Andrew Flower deals with the concept of basic income for all citizen irrespective of their employment status (Flower). This can bring hope to the lives of many people. Most people are working based on income, rather than doing what they really want to do. Though basic income sounds audacious, supporters of this idea argue that it is the best way to reduce poverty and to provide quality life to people. On the other hand, the idea will disrupt the relationship between work and income. Though we lack clear data on how this idea would work, there are already many supporters and the idea is being testing in few countries. A common theme of Flower and Kenny’s articles, are to reduce dependence on charity, and instead, opt for economic policies that will reduce the need for charity.
Work Cited
Flower, Andrew. What Would Happen If We Gave People Money?. 1st ed. 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2016.
Kenny, Charles. "Why Private Donations Aren't Helping America's Poor". Bloomberg.com. N.p., 2014. Web. 16 Aug. 2016.
