January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month, and the College of Social Work would like to take this time to recognize one of its faculty members whose expertise lies in the intersection of poverty and social welfare.
Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the United States is home to over 36.8 million people living in poverty, many of whom face significant barriers to meeting basic needs. Dr. Sehun Oh’s research on the intersection of poverty, work and addiction illuminates the causes and consequences of economic hardship—not only for individuals and families but for society at large.
Oh highlights the inadequacy of social safety nets and the lack of accessible and effective public workforce development systems as critical drivers of persistent poverty. For example, the United States is notably one of the few developed countries without an entitlement cash assistance program.
“The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program—a key public assistance program for families with children living in extreme poverty—is not only non-entitlement but also provides only an average of $400 a month, an amount far below what is needed to lift recipients out of poverty,” says Oh. “When people are unable to meet their basic needs, their long-term prospects for economic stability, health and overall well-being, as well as those of their dependents, are severely limited.”
Among various anti-poverty strategies, Oh underscores the urgent need for an effective and inclusive public workforce development system. According to Oh, many individuals in low-income communities experience interrupted education and employment opportunities due to early life adversities. Developing marketable job skills is essential for fostering economic self-sufficiency and improving long-term health outcomes. However, despite their potential, existing workforce development programs—such as welfare-to-work programs and training programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—often fall short. These programs frequently fail to provide opportunities to pursue educational degrees or certifications and lack the support services necessary for participants to reskill or upskill. Even more concerning, minoritized workers—including women and BIPOC participants—face significant barriers to accessing and completing these programs.”
As the U.S. economy continues to evolve—with industries shrinking and job opportunities disappearing, particularly for those without higher education or specialized skills—the need for a robust and inclusive workforce development system has never been greater.
“Manufacturing jobs, which have provided employment and modest pay for the workforce without college degrees, are expected to decline by 30% by 2030, further exacerbating the economic insecurity faced by millions of Americans” says Oh.
“In this context, it is essential to ensure that individuals and families with various employment barriers have access to job training and support services to successfully acquire marketable job skills, fostering economic mobility and alleviating the long-term impacts of poverty.”
— Dr. Sehun Oh
Also importantly, the lack of stable, well-paying jobs has broader implications beyond economic insecurity. Oh’s recent research reveals a troubling trend: counties with a smaller proportion of Black workers in employment—particularly those grappling with high levels of illicit fentanyl activity—have experienced the fastest growth in drug-related mortality among Black Americans since the Great Recession.
“The absence of viable employment options and disconnection from work often creates collective frustration and hopelessness, family disintegration and community disorders, culminating in devastating social consequences,” says Oh. “Work provides not only financial security but also a sense of purpose and meaning in life, both of which are critical for individual well-being and society as a whole.”
When considering the challenges of poverty, it is crucial to consider the systemic changes—including strengthening the public workforce development system, expanding social safety nets and providing comprehensive support for individuals and families in poverty—to break the cycle of poverty and promote better health and overall well-being. Oh’s research serves as a critical reminder that economic self-sufficiency is not just about financial resources, it is about helping individuals equipped with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing labor market.
