User:CartoonDiablo/Welfare's effect on Poverty

To what effect welfare has on poverty is controversial. Since the goal of welfare programs is to reduce poverty, it has been debated whether or not they have achieved their goals.

Proponents of welfare to reduce poverty
left-wing and other liberal advocates point to "welfare states" where poverty decreases after countries adapt welfare programs. Empirical evidence suggests that taxes and transfers considerably reduce poverty in most countries, whose welfare states commonly constitute at least a fifth of GDP. .

After the Clinton administration welfare reform, critics point to poor single mothers having to take on low-paying jobs instead of taking care of their children.