Poverty is a large and persistent problem in the United States, deeply affecting about one in seven Americans, including many of the country's most vulnerable groups: children, female "head of household" families, and minorities. Just what government's role should be in alleviating this problem is an intensely debated, partisan issue. Social welfare programs are designed to reward and foster self reliance or, when this is not possible, to provide benefits only to those individuals who are truly in need. Public support tends to be higher for social insurance programs, such as social security than for public assistance programs such as TANF. Both education and training are needed to move the working poor beyond mere survival.
