A New Framework to Fight Poverty and Promote Savings

The emerging theme of this week seems to be frameworks. Today, President Obama called for a new framework for consumer protection and financial regulation. We’re ginning up for a good discussion of a new framework as well. This Friday at 12:15, NYU Dean of Social Sciences Dalton Conley will deliver remarks on a new paper that he’s written for the Asset Building Program and the Next Social Contract Initiative.

Dr. Conley’s paper, “Savings, Responsibility and Opportunity in America,” explores how our understanding of poverty, class, and mobility would be enhanced by expanding our focus from an individual’s position in the labor market to include their ability to save and accumulate assets over the life course. This perspective leads to thinking about a new framework for economic mobility and poverty alleviation–one that works across generations and prioritizes policies that help families increase their savings and build assets over the long term.

Reid Cramer will moderate the event. We’re also very excited to have a wonderful pair of respondents to Dr. Conley’s presentation–Scott Winship from the Economic Mobility Project at the Pew Charitable Trusts will be here, as will Elizabeth Lower-Basch from the Center on Law and Social Policy.

If you’d like to learn more about the event, or RSVP, please click here.