Poverty exists at high levels in Robeson County, North Carolina and surrounding counties. To address poverty, policies should emphasize education, delaying childbirth until marriage, and full-time employment. Providing high-quality early education to children from low-income families could help. Poverty affects society on local, regional and national levels and is a social problem undermining well-being. Perceptions of poverty have changed over time from more community assistance to an emphasis on personal responsibility. Poverty has been socially constructed as a problem due to factors like gender, class, race and sexuality. The presentation explores theoretical perspectives on and political discourses around poverty.

1. Analysis & Policy Recommendation on Poverty Presentation By Group W(allace)

2. POVERTY EXISTS IN ROBESON COUNTY

3. Policies to deal with poverty. Policies would include emphasis on getting a good education, not having kids before you marry and working full time. Provide very high quality early education to all children from low income homes. Implementing "Succes by Ten" a program set up to achieve success in school by age ten .

4. Poverty as a Social Problem on a local, regional and national level. The US Census Bureau Reported that North Carolina's poverty rate was 13.1%. Making up most of 13.1% is Robeson County with 23.8% followed by Columbus County with 21.1%. Bladen County isn't far behind with 20.1% and Hoke County with 16.1% (US Census Bureau).

5. Why is Poverty a social problem? Poverty is a condition that undermines the well-being of some or all members of society. Poverty affects all members of the society in more ways than one.

6. How has the perception of poverty as a social problem changed overtime? Years ago much assistance was given to people who were in need. This help was given by churches, familiy, the community and the government. Now people are reluctant to give becuase they want to teach responsibility. Some people within society feel as if governmental assisstance is granting a "free ride."

7. How has poverty been socially constructed as a social probelm? Social construction is based on structure; meaning how individuals in society look at others and how they participate in society. Poverty has been socially constructed as a social problem due to gender, class, race, and sexuality.

8. Theoretical Perspectives on Poverty#1 Social Disorganization is defined as a breakdown in social order caused by rapid social change. This theory approached poverty in the sense that It implies that poverty at times is due to overcrowding neighborhoods and schools but not enough means of employment. In this situation this theory indicates only time will improve the social problem of poverty.

9. Theoretical Perspectives on Poverty#2 The Multi cultural theory deals with poverty, race and ethnicity. This theory implies that ethnicity and race are heavily linked to the social problem of poverty. This approach bases its idea on the fact that there are many social inequalities within society that causes this discrepancy among whites and non-whites.

10. The Competing Political Discourses about Poverty. Conservatives believe that since absolute poverty is much lower than relative poverty, the current system of welfare is working. Only supports welfare programs that provide assistance to those who cannot help themselves – the disabled, elderly, and children.

11. The Competing Political Discourses about Poverty. Liberals feel that it is the responsibility of society as a whole to help the poor. Believes in the potential of the US economy, but income distribution is unequal due to race & gender discrimination; therefore, women & nonwhites have more difficulty gaining wealth.

12. The Competing Political Discourses about Poverty. Radical Left agree with liberals that poverty is a societal issue, but the problem of poverty is an inevitable product of a capitalist society. Poverty will be eradicated by replacing capitalism with a more humane economic system. A system with objectives to meet societal needs, not increase profits

13. This presebtation was presented to you by.... Joycelyn Lighty Team Leader Heather Davis Team Leader Asprah Campbell Courtney Smith Hope You have enjoyed our presentation.