?The authors attempt to analyze federal poverty programs in order to determine their effectiveness. ... The book's major contention is that the two types of programs (those providing direct aid and those aimed at increasing self-sufficiency) must each be analyzed separately on its own terms. The authors conclude that direct aid programs are much more effective in relieving poverty than self-sufficiency programs, but point out it is much more difficult to measure the impact of the latter. In their conclusion, the authors press for the continuation of direct aid programs. ...?-Choice