Alfred J. Kahn Memorial Lecture

Alfred Kahn and the Institute for Research on Poverty

Alfred J. Kahn, who died in 2009 at the age of 90, built a distinguished career in child welfare and social policy during his 57 years at the Columbia University School of Social Work. He was also a loyal supporter of the Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP), where he served on its National Advisory Committee from that board’s inception in 1967 until 2002, when the national committee was superseded by a smaller "Area" Advisory Committee.

Professor Kahn participated in virtually all of the Institute’s series of conferences that periodically reviewed progress against poverty in the United States. At each conference, he was the beacon of hope in the room, always confident that the poor would have a better future. For instance, at the 1984 conference held in Williamsburg, Virginia, at a time when poverty studies were not much favored by the presidential administration then in office, Professor Kahn took part in a round-table discussion on the future of poverty research. His remarks were summarized as follows in the Summer 1985 issue of Focus:

“Kahn cited the 1963 book Seedtime of Reform (by Clarke Chambers, University of Minnesota Press), which described the vigorous activities of voluntary associations and their leaders during the prosperous 1920s, a period that did not encourage public efforts for the poor. Yet the diligent work of the associations laid the groundwork for the reforms that began during the next decade, in response to the crisis of the Great Depression. Despite the inhibiting climate of their own era, these groups persisted in collecting data, formulating plans, inventing and advocating. Their efforts made it possible to move on many fronts when the need became urgent. Teamed with others, they contributed to the emergence of social insurance, child welfare, public housing, and a new approach to the federal role, paving the way for further efforts in later decades. Perhaps, Kahn suggested, the 1980s may prove to be a seedtime.”

Alfred Kahn also contributed an essay to the issue of Focus that commemorated the twentieth anniversary of the Institute, in 1986. Titled “Poverty Research in International Perspective,” it reviewed poverty measures and social initiatives in European countries. It concluded:

“Whether the relative line is 50 percent or 40 percent of the median income—or some other proportion—one sees some encouragement to regular reporting of relative as well as country-specific yet comparable absolute poverty in the future. One also notes the likelihood that, stimulated by comparative reports, European and U.S. investigators will look more intensively at their own countries as research covering poverty, income distribution, social benefits, expenditures, and redistribution expands its vocabulary and perspectives. This will be welcomed by those who follow such research for policy purposes or see its relationship to the basic development of their social sciences.”

IRP is deeply appreciative of Professor Kahn’s many years of service in an advisory capacity and for his staunch support of the Institute throughout its history.

Social Policy and Child Well-Being: A Comparative Perspective

Jane Waldfogel
Professor of Social Work and Public Affairs
Columbia University

December 3, 2009
4:00–6:00 pm
The University Club, 803 State Street
A reception follows the lecture