Economic Growth Program Banner Policy Brief The American Dream of Asset Ownership is Vulnerable when Bubbles Burst

Policy Brief The American Dream of Asset Ownership is Vulnerable when Bubbles Burst

The Great Recession has exposed numerous flaws in our social contract - weaknesses that existed prior to the economic downturn - highlighting the need for changes in our system.  In a six-part series, the Next Social Contract Initiative explores the stresses on our social contract, and the policy changes that must be made to mend it.  In the sixth and final installment, policy analyst Lauren Damme examines the state of Americans' retirement security, highlighting the shortcomings of our ownership society in providing a secure retirement for Americans.   Overview: The Great Recession exposes weaknesses in the American social contract.   Economic security policies are too closely tied to employment.   The safety net for unemployed Americans is inadequate.   Problems with a state-based social welfare system.   The regressive delivery of social welfare benefits in the U.S. (Revised)   The American dream of asset ownership is vulnerable when bubbles burst. Click here to read the policy brief. Click here to go to the Economic Growth homepage. Click here to subscribe to Economic Growth and Next Social Contract publications. For media inquiries, contact Kate Brown at (202) 596-3365 or at brown@newamerica.net