POVERTY, WORK, AND COMMUNITY - A RESEARCH AGENDA FOR AN ERA OF DIMINISHING FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY

Welfare time limits and stringent work requirements, components of mos t states' reform plans, make employment a necessity for family surviva l. Yet the availability of jobs has reached new lows in many low-incom e communities, and steady jobs with wages that can keep a family above the poverty line ave dwindling. Research on welfare incentives and re forms has shown only modest employment effects and has failed to take the community context into account. If large numbers of welfare recipi ents ave to become steadily employed, low-income communities must expe rience fundamental changes in employment opportunities. A research age nda that fosters employment and builds community resources is proposed . This agenda addresses ways in which communities can provide precondi tions for employment, preparation for employment, access to employment , and ongoing support for working families.