It's very interesting, if you look at a study that was done by the Brookings Institute back in 2009, they determined that if Americans do three things, they can avoid poverty. Three things. Work, graduate from high school, and get married before you have children.

Rick Santorum’s quote, "It's very interesting, if you look at a study that was done by the Brookings Institute back in 2009, they determined that if Americans do three things, they can avoid poverty. Three things. Work, graduate from high school, and get married before you have children," outlines a set of behaviors Santorum believes are essential for avoiding poverty. He references a study by the Brookings Institute, which concluded that by following three key life choices—maintaining employment, finishing high school, and marrying before having children—individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling into poverty.

The origin of the quote lies in Santorum’s reference to research conducted by the Brookings Institute, a respected think tank that analyzes social issues. The 2009 study emphasized that these three factors are highly correlated with economic stability and success. Santorum uses the study to support his argument that these behaviors are crucial for economic mobility and can help individuals break the cycle of poverty. His focus on these three specific actions reflects a perspective on how personal responsibility can lead to improved financial outcomes.

Santorum’s statement also underscores the importance of education and family structure in achieving financial stability. By emphasizing graduation from high school and marriage before having children, Santorum suggests that these milestones are foundational to securing a successful future. He frames them as necessary steps to avoid financial hardship, implying that adhering to these guidelines creates a stable foundation for both individuals and families.

Ultimately, the quote reflects a viewpoint that places significant emphasis on individual choices and responsibility in avoiding poverty. Santorum uses the Brookings Institute’s study to highlight that while societal factors contribute to poverty, there are key personal decisions that can provide a pathway to economic stability. This perspective aligns with broader debates about the role of personal decisions versus systemic factors in determining economic outcomes.