Unequal by Design: A Historical Perspective on Economic Inequality Across Communities

September 29, 2025

Month 6: The War on Poverty – Who Benefited and Who Was Left Behind?

The sixth section of the Economic Inequality series evaluates how The War on Poverty proved that bold federal action can expand opportunity, but today’s progress is at risk. New 2025 policies, including Medicaid work requirements and stricter oversight of Head Start, threaten to deepen inequities and reverse gains. Moving forward requires universal Medicaid expansion, stronger rural health infrastructure, and streamlined enrollment, alongside renewed investment in Head Start’s workforce, trauma-informed care, and family supports. This paper analyzes these policies and demands pairing coverage with access and education with holistic support to continue upholding past commitments to equity and social progress.