Undeserving: Rethinking the Myths That Distort American Social Welfare

This book is written in resistance to the idea that human struggle is a personal failure.

UNDESERVING dismantles the cultural narratives that frame poverty, welfare, and work as moral failings. Blending history, research, and case stories, it exposes how myths of laziness, dependency, and meritocracy protect privilege and sustain inequality. Written for social workers, educators, and policymakers, it equips readers to replace blame with analysis and charity with justice. Through reflection tools and discussion guides, Undeserving transforms social welfare from a system of suspicion into one of solidarity.

Written for social workers, educators, students, organizers, and community builders, this book speaks to those working inside institutions that frequently contradict their values. It also honors families and communities who live with dignity, care, and resilience despite policies never designed for their thriving.

This is not a how-to manual or a story of personal transformation. It is an invitation to practice clearer seeing, more honest language, and ethical accountability. Grounded in anti-oppressive practice and social justice frameworks, the book challenges readers to move beyond blame and toward responses to human need that are collective, compassionate, and just.