The AALS Section on Poverty Law will sponsor a session at the 2015 AALS Annual Meeting. The title of the program is Working But Poor: Understanding and Confronting the Working Poor Phenomenon. In collaboration with the Loyola Journal of Public Interest Law, the Section seeks papers for publication and presentation.
Employment was historically viewed as a means to gain financial security. However, full-time workers increasingly struggle to meet their basic needs. This program will examine the working poor phenomenon – that, despite being fully-employed, many workers still live in poverty. The panel will discuss the increased number of working poor and their deepening poverty, explore possible causes of the working poor phenomenon, and consider whether and how employment might once again offer a reliable means to raise people out of poverty.
Among the questions contemplated involve Legislative Causes and Solutions: Which government policies have contributed to the working poor phenomenon? Which have alleviated or minimized worker poverty? How effective are minimum wage and overtime laws at alleviating poverty? Living wage ordinances? How do these laws relate to areas more traditionally viewed as poverty law? What are the relative strengths and limitations of federal policies as compared to state and local policies?
The deadline for submissions is August 8, 2014. See attached for additional information.
Download AALS Poverty Section Call for Papers 2015 Program (1)