Multidimensional Deprivation and the American Social Contract

This chapter summarizes the findings presented in earlier chapters and considers their implications for public policy and, more generally, the American social contract. Multidimensional deprivation in the United States is found to be persistent, patterned, and all too common. It appears to be shaped not only by individual and economic factors, but also, in many cases, by broader social and institutional dynamics, including potential forms of structural inequality and exclusion. The discussion calls for policy responses that prioritize addressing the underlying causes of deprivation, particularly when the causes are linked to systemic barriers, rather than pursuing policies that seek to reduce deprivation among specific population groups. This suggests that the current distribution of deprivation reflects not only policy design but also deeper societal values and norms. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for a renewed commitment to the foundational promises of the American social contract: ensuring that all individuals have access to the conditions necessary for a dignified and meaningful life.