American capitalism has refashioned itself to meet today's global economic challenges, often at the expense of economically disadvantaged citizens, while the social welfare system remains chained to principles that fail to narrate American poverty. Economic need is no longer a story of personal failure; poverty has become a macroeconomic construct, and work no longer provides the poor with the path to economic independence. Only by refashioning America's social insurances, her commitments to welfare assistance, and her inadequate efforts to support low wage employment will America join the ranks of companion advanced nations in bringing poverty under control.