Snakes and ladders: A policy brief on poverty dynamics

Abstract:

This report's findings are based on a survey of studies looking at the mobility of people in and out of poverty. It finds that over longer periods of time many more people will be exposed to poverty than traditional poverty rates suggest. This highlights the need for strong safety nets (unemployment insurance, social assistance) to protect people from an economic downturn or plain bad luck, according to the report. It urges a stronger role for government to invest in people - through education and training, child care and social housing - so they can get a decent foothold on the economic ladder.