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A new book takes a look at a segment of the population that doesn't get much attention: the "near poor," those too poor to enjoy the comforts of middle class and too wealthy to qualify for government assistance. Through a series of profiles of families, author Katherine Newman takes a look at the challenges this group faces, from housing and health care to education and debt.

Guest

• Katherine Newman, professor of Sociology and Public Affairs at Princeton University and author of several books, including Chutes and Ladders: Navigating the Low Wage Labor Market and No Shame in My Game: The Working Poor in the Inner City. Her most recent book is called The Missing Class: The Near Poor Experience in Modern America.