Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Is working poverty a sign that capitalism is broken?
Richard Vedder, economics professor emeritus at Ohio University, argues this is simply how economies work: there will always be a gap between earners, and no system can turn every job into a middle-class one.
Amy Traub, Associate Director of Policy and Research at Demos, argues the market itself proves low pay is a choice. Some of the most profitable names in retail are also its best payers.
Interested in more economics debates? Our next debate, "Is Capitalism Broken", is live tomorrow, August 20th at 2:30 PM EST. Visit opentodebate.org to save it to your calendar!
Is working poverty a sign that capitalism is broken?
Richard Vedder, economics professor emeritus at Ohio University, argues this is simply how economies work: there will always be a gap between earners, and no system can turn every job into a middle-class one.
Amy Traub, Associate Director of Policy and Research at Demos, argues the market itself proves low pay is a choice. Some of the most profitable names in retail are also its best payers.
Interested in more economics debates? Our next debate, "Is Capitalism Broken", is live tomorrow, August 20th at 2:30 PM EST. Visit opentodebate.org to save it to your calendar!
