Mobilizing the Poor: Road to a Dead End

This paper is addressed to the recommendation that the most effective strategy available to the poor for improving their condition is independent mobilization and the use of disruptive tactics. The most prominent exponents of this position are Frances Fox Piven and Richard Cloward. We examine their analysis of "poor people's movements" with particular emphasis on their account of the National Welfare Rights Organization and its failure. We conclude that (1) independent activities of poor people will fail to improve their status significantly and (2) for substantial improvement, it will be necessary to carry out activity within organized labor. We examine our rationale for this conclusion and the prospect for its success.