Giving money—instead of services—to poor people actually works. As a result, more children are sent to schools while the money is not spent on alcohol or tobacco. That’s the message of a new World Bank report that analyzes 19 separate studies. Contrary to what governments suspect, poor people know what’s best for them and their future. One caveat: Cash transfers made to women are the best guarantee that the money is spent on food, education and children’s health.. When women rule over household income, it’s more likely to be used on
