Causality could go the other way. Consider a rational reaction to being just at the edge of the welfare cliff. If you haven't heard of that, look at the graphs

Causality could go the other way. Consider a rational reaction to being just at the edge of the welfare cliff. If you haven't heard of that, look at the graphs in these two articles: https://danieljmitchell.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/a-picture-of-how-redistribution-programs-trap-the-less-fortunate-in-lives-of-dependency/ https://danieljmitchell.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/a-picture-o... https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-30/when-work-punished-again-if-you-accept-raise-you-fall-welfare-cliff https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-08-30/when-work-punished... It's a better deal to earn $29,000 than $69,000 due to the loss of benefits. That means people don't strive for better. They avoid promotions.