A group of children was being studied over time when a substantial number of families in their very poor community started getting an influx of money. The results were some significant improvements in personality traits that are not only socially desirable, but good predictors for long-term success.
It shouldn't be any surprise that a bit of improved security at home — and reduced money-related conflict (arguments, alcoholism) — would be helpful for kids. But it's nice to see some confirmation of that, and consider what it might mean for public policy in an era when the "hip" thing to do is to toss the poor into the cold so as to build up their "character".
(h/t +Yonatan Zunger)
The remarkable thing that happens to poor kids when you give their parents a little money
Incredibly, the change is the most pronounced in the children who need it the most.
But we're supposed to punish people for being poor, otherwise why will they pull themselves up by their bootstraps?