Poverty in America is a slideshow final I did to bring awareness to the rising issue of Poverty for one of my Human Service classes. Again, I hope to demonstrate my ability and dedication.
This presentation focuses on American poverty. The presentation defines and addresses the issue of poverty in it's entirety as well as offers solutions to the problem.
This document discusses poverty in America, defining generational and situational poverty. Generational poverty is being in poverty for two generations or longer due to socioeconomic factors, while situational poverty is for a shorter time due to life circumstances like death, illness, or divorce. Schools and businesses often operate from middle-class norms not understood by those in generational poverty. To move out of poverty requires education, relationships, finding a vision or goal, developing key relationships, or discovering a talent or skill. Poverty negatively impacts children's development and life outcomes. Relationships are key to achieving success and overcoming the effects of generational poverty.
Poverty is defined as lacking basic needs like food, water, shelter, and clothing. It is caused by a lack of money, natural disasters, lack of opportunities, overpopulation, and issues like drugs and alcohol. The major causes of extreme poverty are hunger, lack of access to healthcare, limited education, and insufficient clean water. Billions of people worldwide live in poverty, with millions dying each year due to lack of food, nutrition, and preventable health issues.
Stratification refers to systematic inequalities between groups in society in terms of access to resources, power, and social worth. In a stratified society, those at the top of the social hierarchy have greater access to goods and services than those at the bottom. Stratification creates a relatively fixed social structure where different groups have different life chances. Examples of stratification include differences based on social class, race, gender, and other socially defined groups.
POVERTY AND THEORIES USED TO EXPLAIN POVERTYDevine Espante
This document discusses different aspects and definitions of poverty. It begins by defining poverty as a lack of financial resources to meet basic needs. The World Bank further describes poverty as lacking access to food, shelter, healthcare, education, jobs and security. Global poverty lines are mentioned as measuring those living below $1.90, $3.20 and $5.50 per day. Statistics on global poverty rates and the countries with the most extreme poverty are provided. The document also discusses different types of poverty including situational, generational, absolute, relative, urban and rural poverty. Finally, it briefly outlines some major theories for explaining poverty, such as classical, neoclassical, Keynesian, and Marxian approaches.
Poverty is defined as a situation where one lacks adequate resources or means of livelihood. It can be experienced individually but commonly involves feelings of powerlessness and lack of access to resources. Poverty has several dimensions such as lack of livelihood strategies, inability to maintain social relations due to lack of resources, feelings of insecurity and frustration. Theories of poverty include Malthus' theory that overpopulation is the main cause and Marx's theory that exploitation of workers by capitalists leads to poverty. Causes of poverty include sickness, unemployment, poor income, natural disasters, and unequal distribution of resources while impacts include malnutrition, child labor, crime, and failure to develop socially. Addressing poverty involves social welfare programs, employment
Family disorganization can occur when there is a breakdown in the family system due to a lack of role models, support systems, or internal conflicts. Common causes include a lack of privacy, incompatibility between family members, interference from others, unemployment, poor communication, and abuse or neglect. Children from dysfunctional families often take on roles like the "good child" or "scapegoat" to cope. Consequences for children can include mental health issues, addiction, academic struggles, low self-esteem, delinquency, and continuing the cycle of dysfunction into their own relationships and families as adults.
This document discusses social stratification and mobility. It defines stratification as the division of society into unequal classes based on wealth, power and prestige. It examines perspectives on stratification from Marx, Weber and sociological theories. It also outlines the major social classes in the US and discusses poverty trends, focusing on disadvantaged groups. Finally, it defines types of social mobility and compares open versus closed systems of mobility.
This presentation focuses on American poverty. The presentation defines and addresses the issue of poverty in it's entirety as well as offers solutions to the problem.
This document discusses poverty in America, defining generational and situational poverty. Generational poverty is being in poverty for two generations or longer due to socioeconomic factors, while situational poverty is for a shorter time due to life circumstances like death, illness, or divorce. Schools and businesses often operate from middle-class norms not understood by those in generational poverty. To move out of poverty requires education, relationships, finding a vision or goal, developing key relationships, or discovering a talent or skill. Poverty negatively impacts children's development and life outcomes. Relationships are key to achieving success and overcoming the effects of generational poverty.
Poverty is defined as lacking basic needs like food, water, shelter, and clothing. It is caused by a lack of money, natural disasters, lack of opportunities, overpopulation, and issues like drugs and alcohol. The major causes of extreme poverty are hunger, lack of access to healthcare, limited education, and insufficient clean water. Billions of people worldwide live in poverty, with millions dying each year due to lack of food, nutrition, and preventable health issues.
Stratification refers to systematic inequalities between groups in society in terms of access to resources, power, and social worth. In a stratified society, those at the top of the social hierarchy have greater access to goods and services than those at the bottom. Stratification creates a relatively fixed social structure where different groups have different life chances. Examples of stratification include differences based on social class, race, gender, and other socially defined groups.
POVERTY AND THEORIES USED TO EXPLAIN POVERTYDevine Espante
This document discusses different aspects and definitions of poverty. It begins by defining poverty as a lack of financial resources to meet basic needs. The World Bank further describes poverty as lacking access to food, shelter, healthcare, education, jobs and security. Global poverty lines are mentioned as measuring those living below $1.90, $3.20 and $5.50 per day. Statistics on global poverty rates and the countries with the most extreme poverty are provided. The document also discusses different types of poverty including situational, generational, absolute, relative, urban and rural poverty. Finally, it briefly outlines some major theories for explaining poverty, such as classical, neoclassical, Keynesian, and Marxian approaches.
Poverty is defined as a situation where one lacks adequate resources or means of livelihood. It can be experienced individually but commonly involves feelings of powerlessness and lack of access to resources. Poverty has several dimensions such as lack of livelihood strategies, inability to maintain social relations due to lack of resources, feelings of insecurity and frustration. Theories of poverty include Malthus' theory that overpopulation is the main cause and Marx's theory that exploitation of workers by capitalists leads to poverty. Causes of poverty include sickness, unemployment, poor income, natural disasters, and unequal distribution of resources while impacts include malnutrition, child labor, crime, and failure to develop socially. Addressing poverty involves social welfare programs, employment
Family disorganization can occur when there is a breakdown in the family system due to a lack of role models, support systems, or internal conflicts. Common causes include a lack of privacy, incompatibility between family members, interference from others, unemployment, poor communication, and abuse or neglect. Children from dysfunctional families often take on roles like the "good child" or "scapegoat" to cope. Consequences for children can include mental health issues, addiction, academic struggles, low self-esteem, delinquency, and continuing the cycle of dysfunction into their own relationships and families as adults.
This document discusses social stratification and mobility. It defines stratification as the division of society into unequal classes based on wealth, power and prestige. It examines perspectives on stratification from Marx, Weber and sociological theories. It also outlines the major social classes in the US and discusses poverty trends, focusing on disadvantaged groups. Finally, it defines types of social mobility and compares open versus closed systems of mobility.
This document provides an overview of intersectionality. It defines intersectionality as a concept that describes how systems of oppression like racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia intersect and cannot be examined separately. The key aspects are:
- Intersectionality considers that people have multiple identity factors like gender, race, class etc. and examines how these intersect.
- It was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw to argue that a straight white woman and a non-heterosexual Black woman cannot have their experiences compared and feminism must consider differences.
- Intersectionality calls for recognizing privilege and considering how to accommodate those without privilege for true equality.
Poverty is defined as the inability to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Over 1.2 billion people live in extreme poverty, subsisting on under $1.25 per day, with many more living on just $2 per day. South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa contain the highest percentages of the world's poor, at 43.5% and 24.3% respectively. The document provides statistics on global poverty and defines related terms.
Poverty and world hunger are closely linked, with poverty being the number one cause of death globally. An estimated 8 million people die from lack of food and nutrition each year, with 1 in 6 people suffering from malnutrition. Poverty is defined as being extremely poor and lacking basic resources for survival such as shelter, food, education, ability to pay debts, and good health. Children are especially vulnerable to world hunger resulting from poverty.
This presentation investigates how notion of “race” is socially constructed. It arose concurrently with the advent of European exploration as a justification and rationale for conquest and domination of the globe beginning in the 15th century of the Common Era. Therefore, “race” is an historical, “scientific,” and biological myth. It is an idea. Geneticists tell us that there is often more variability within a given so-called “race” than between “races,” and that there are no essential genetic markers linked specifically to “race.”
This document discusses racial inequality and its socio-economic impacts. It notes that racialized groups experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment than white groups in Toronto. Racialized individuals are also more likely to experience police surveillance and carding. The conflict theory perspective is discussed, which views racial tensions as a way for the wealthy to divide the working class and exploit minority labor. While tolerance has increased, racism remains a significant problem in Canada, and greater government programs, access to services, education, and awareness are needed to make progress on this issue.
This document discusses poverty, including its causes, effects, and the poverty cycle. It defines absolute and relative poverty. The causes of poverty discussed include theories that the poor have little concern for the future or engage in self-defeating behaviors. The effects of poverty on children include higher rates of health problems, accidents, and missed school. Poverty also increases stress levels in families. The cycle of poverty refers to how poverty can span generations as those in poverty lack the resources to escape it.
1. Social stratification refers to the categorization and ranking of people into hierarchical social groups based on characteristics like economic status, culture, race, gender, etc.
2. Functionalists view social stratification as serving important social functions like maintaining social order and ensuring that important roles are filled by qualified individuals. Davis and Moore argue that social inequality is an unconsciously evolved mechanism for societies to efficiently organize themselves.
3. Theories of Caribbean social stratification include the plantation society model of distinct upper, intermediate, and lower castes; plural society theory which describes culturally distinct ethnic groups coexisting under one political system; and creole society theory describing a hybrid culture with elements of both ascriptive and merit-based
This document outlines the key points about poverty that learners should understand after a lesson. It defines poverty and differentiates between absolute and relative poverty. Chronic poverty is discussed as poverty that is passed down through generations. Characteristics of poverty mentioned include those living in rural areas, women, low levels of education, and high population growth. The effects of poverty discussed are limited life choices, negative health impacts, limited economic opportunities, decreased productivity, and increased domestic violence. Learners are assigned an activity to analyze poverty in their communities and suggest solutions.
Poverty deprives people of basic needs like food, water, shelter, and clothes. It is caused by factors such as lack of education, natural disasters, lack of money, lack of opportunities, overpopulation, and spending on addictions like drugs and alcohol. Poverty leads to high mortality rates, increased health risks, hampered childhood development, lack of education, and increased conflict. Over 1.4 billion people live on less than $1.25 per day, and poverty is responsible for millions of deaths each year, especially among women and children in developing countries. Poverty is measured using both relative and absolute standards related to income levels and access to resources needed for basic survival.
Weber’s theory consisted of:
That status and class do NOT always go hand in hand together.
social honor: which is a recognizable power.
Weber’s 3 types of political leadership:
Charismatic domination, Traditional domination, & Legal domination.
Status groups make-up the social order.
Classes make up economic order.
Parties make up political and legal order.
The Biblical Jubilee, and the work of the Spirit liberate individuals and societies form oppression. Similarly individual, societal and political freedoms reflect the Spirit's work and Biblical economic principles and hence from the basis for efficient, innovative, productive societies. Amartya Sen expands on dealing with unfreedoms and creating freedoms. These philosophies imply limits on government and bureaucratic interventions, yet governmental encouragement of innovation and restrictions on greed and anticompetitive behaviors, balanced with governmental responsibilities to provide a safety net for the poor.
The document discusses poverty in India, defining it as the inability to fulfill basic needs like food, clothing, housing, education and health. It identifies common characteristics of poor people like hunger, debt, and lack of facilities. Poverty is measured relatively compared to others or absolutely based on a poverty line. The poverty line divides the population into poor and non-poor based on calorie intake and monthly per capita expenditure. The government has implemented various programs focused on employment generation, minimum needs, and growth to alleviate poverty, but they often face challenges like lack of resources and improper implementation. Reducing poverty further will require accelerating economic growth, population control, agricultural development, and more employment opportunities.
This document discusses poverty, including its definition, types, causes, and effects. It also examines strategies to reduce poverty. Poverty is defined as a lack of material goods or money. There are two main types: absolute poverty involving basic needs, and relative poverty comparing living standards within a society. Major causes include lack of education, disease, and limited economic opportunities. Effects are on both individuals, like poor health, and societies, such as less economic growth. Recommended solutions involve both short-term actions like job creation, and long-term investments in education, healthcare, and sustainable development. The ultimate goal is to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
Stratification refers to systematic inequalities between groups that arise from social processes and relationships. Social stratification creates a hierarchy in society where groups have unequal access to resources, power, and social worth. It can take various forms like class, race, and gender, which overlap and influence life chances. Theories of stratification like functionalism see it as necessary for society, while conflict theory views it as certain groups exploiting others. Stratification is evident in the United States through inequality in income, wealth, health outcomes, and poverty rates along racial and gender lines.
The document discusses social justice and related concepts. It begins by outlining an assignment related to analyzing the importance of a country's Bill of Rights, identifying groups whose rights are violated, and how social justice impacts development. It then defines social justice as the idea that all people deserve equal rights and freedoms. The document also discusses equality versus equity, and lists some social justice issues in the Caribbean related to gender, class, race, minorities, the elderly, disabled, and more. It outlines how colonialism promoted exploitation and injustice, and how Bills of Rights were introduced to protect rights. Finally, it discusses how social justice relates to development, education, productivity, and quality of life.
CAPE Sociology Unit Two Population controlpolicycapesociology
The document discusses reduction in fertility as a population control policy in developing countries. It presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach. Supporters argue that lowering population growth rates through reduced fertility can help achieve social stability by balancing population size with resources. However, critics argue that population size is not the root cause of problems in developing nations, and that coercive population control policies can undermine individual freedoms and fail to achieve their goals. The document concludes that reducing fertility alone may not guarantee social stability, and that unequal resource distribution between nations also contributes to social and economic issues.
The document discusses poverty globally and in specific regions and countries. It begins by defining poverty and providing statistics on its global prevalence. It then examines poverty levels and causes in developing countries, Haiti, Africa, and the United States. Several charitable organizations that provide aid to reduce poverty are also mentioned. Theories like conflict theory and structural functionalism are used to explain causes and functions of poverty in societies.
This document discusses key concepts around social identity, oppression, and privilege. It defines social identity as aspects of one's self-concept derived from group membership. Dominant groups have power and control over standards, while subordinate groups face disadvantages and differential treatment. Oppression involves the exploitation of subordinate groups by dominant groups through cultural imposition and power imbalances. Privilege refers to unearned advantages available to dominant groups. The document suggests understanding privilege and using concepts of both privilege and lack of privilege to work towards more equal opportunities and rights for all members of society.
Amartya sen model povery and famine on 18 07-2018 final at naemDrShamsulArefin
This document provides a summary of Amartya Sen's book "Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation". The book examines the causes of starvation and famines. It argues that the traditional focus on food supply is flawed and develops an alternative "entitlement approach" focused on ownership and exchange. The entitlement approach looks at a person's ability to obtain food through legal and social means like production, trade, and employment. The document summarizes several chapters which provide historical examples to illustrate this approach, including the Bengal famine of 1943, famines in Ethiopia and the Sahel region of Africa, and a 1974 famine in Bangladesh.
This document summarizes the history of poverty in America from the industrialization era to modern times. It discusses how poverty is measured officially using poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition. The document also outlines government assistance programs like Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and the Affordable Care Act, as well as initiatives like Promise Zones to help reduce poverty. Maps show higher poverty rates exist in more populated areas and cities.
This document discusses poverty, including its various definitions, types, and measurements. It defines poverty as a lack of basic human needs like food, shelter, and clothing. There are two main types of poverty - absolute and relative. Poverty is commonly measured using indicators like the headcount ratio, poverty gap index, and squared poverty gap index. The document also outlines some characteristics and impacts of poverty like effects on health, hunger, education, housing, and violence. It provides statistics on global poverty and discusses strategies for reducing poverty.
This document provides an overview of intersectionality. It defines intersectionality as a concept that describes how systems of oppression like racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia intersect and cannot be examined separately. The key aspects are:
- Intersectionality considers that people have multiple identity factors like gender, race, class etc. and examines how these intersect.
- It was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw to argue that a straight white woman and a non-heterosexual Black woman cannot have their experiences compared and feminism must consider differences.
- Intersectionality calls for recognizing privilege and considering how to accommodate those without privilege for true equality.
Poverty is defined as the inability to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Over 1.2 billion people live in extreme poverty, subsisting on under $1.25 per day, with many more living on just $2 per day. South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa contain the highest percentages of the world's poor, at 43.5% and 24.3% respectively. The document provides statistics on global poverty and defines related terms.
Poverty and world hunger are closely linked, with poverty being the number one cause of death globally. An estimated 8 million people die from lack of food and nutrition each year, with 1 in 6 people suffering from malnutrition. Poverty is defined as being extremely poor and lacking basic resources for survival such as shelter, food, education, ability to pay debts, and good health. Children are especially vulnerable to world hunger resulting from poverty.
This presentation investigates how notion of “race” is socially constructed. It arose concurrently with the advent of European exploration as a justification and rationale for conquest and domination of the globe beginning in the 15th century of the Common Era. Therefore, “race” is an historical, “scientific,” and biological myth. It is an idea. Geneticists tell us that there is often more variability within a given so-called “race” than between “races,” and that there are no essential genetic markers linked specifically to “race.”
This document discusses racial inequality and its socio-economic impacts. It notes that racialized groups experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment than white groups in Toronto. Racialized individuals are also more likely to experience police surveillance and carding. The conflict theory perspective is discussed, which views racial tensions as a way for the wealthy to divide the working class and exploit minority labor. While tolerance has increased, racism remains a significant problem in Canada, and greater government programs, access to services, education, and awareness are needed to make progress on this issue.
This document discusses poverty, including its causes, effects, and the poverty cycle. It defines absolute and relative poverty. The causes of poverty discussed include theories that the poor have little concern for the future or engage in self-defeating behaviors. The effects of poverty on children include higher rates of health problems, accidents, and missed school. Poverty also increases stress levels in families. The cycle of poverty refers to how poverty can span generations as those in poverty lack the resources to escape it.
1. Social stratification refers to the categorization and ranking of people into hierarchical social groups based on characteristics like economic status, culture, race, gender, etc.
2. Functionalists view social stratification as serving important social functions like maintaining social order and ensuring that important roles are filled by qualified individuals. Davis and Moore argue that social inequality is an unconsciously evolved mechanism for societies to efficiently organize themselves.
3. Theories of Caribbean social stratification include the plantation society model of distinct upper, intermediate, and lower castes; plural society theory which describes culturally distinct ethnic groups coexisting under one political system; and creole society theory describing a hybrid culture with elements of both ascriptive and merit-based
This document outlines the key points about poverty that learners should understand after a lesson. It defines poverty and differentiates between absolute and relative poverty. Chronic poverty is discussed as poverty that is passed down through generations. Characteristics of poverty mentioned include those living in rural areas, women, low levels of education, and high population growth. The effects of poverty discussed are limited life choices, negative health impacts, limited economic opportunities, decreased productivity, and increased domestic violence. Learners are assigned an activity to analyze poverty in their communities and suggest solutions.
Poverty deprives people of basic needs like food, water, shelter, and clothes. It is caused by factors such as lack of education, natural disasters, lack of money, lack of opportunities, overpopulation, and spending on addictions like drugs and alcohol. Poverty leads to high mortality rates, increased health risks, hampered childhood development, lack of education, and increased conflict. Over 1.4 billion people live on less than $1.25 per day, and poverty is responsible for millions of deaths each year, especially among women and children in developing countries. Poverty is measured using both relative and absolute standards related to income levels and access to resources needed for basic survival.
Weber’s theory consisted of:
That status and class do NOT always go hand in hand together.
social honor: which is a recognizable power.
Weber’s 3 types of political leadership:
Charismatic domination, Traditional domination, & Legal domination.
Status groups make-up the social order.
Classes make up economic order.
Parties make up political and legal order.
The Biblical Jubilee, and the work of the Spirit liberate individuals and societies form oppression. Similarly individual, societal and political freedoms reflect the Spirit's work and Biblical economic principles and hence from the basis for efficient, innovative, productive societies. Amartya Sen expands on dealing with unfreedoms and creating freedoms. These philosophies imply limits on government and bureaucratic interventions, yet governmental encouragement of innovation and restrictions on greed and anticompetitive behaviors, balanced with governmental responsibilities to provide a safety net for the poor.
The document discusses poverty in India, defining it as the inability to fulfill basic needs like food, clothing, housing, education and health. It identifies common characteristics of poor people like hunger, debt, and lack of facilities. Poverty is measured relatively compared to others or absolutely based on a poverty line. The poverty line divides the population into poor and non-poor based on calorie intake and monthly per capita expenditure. The government has implemented various programs focused on employment generation, minimum needs, and growth to alleviate poverty, but they often face challenges like lack of resources and improper implementation. Reducing poverty further will require accelerating economic growth, population control, agricultural development, and more employment opportunities.
This document discusses poverty, including its definition, types, causes, and effects. It also examines strategies to reduce poverty. Poverty is defined as a lack of material goods or money. There are two main types: absolute poverty involving basic needs, and relative poverty comparing living standards within a society. Major causes include lack of education, disease, and limited economic opportunities. Effects are on both individuals, like poor health, and societies, such as less economic growth. Recommended solutions involve both short-term actions like job creation, and long-term investments in education, healthcare, and sustainable development. The ultimate goal is to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
Stratification refers to systematic inequalities between groups that arise from social processes and relationships. Social stratification creates a hierarchy in society where groups have unequal access to resources, power, and social worth. It can take various forms like class, race, and gender, which overlap and influence life chances. Theories of stratification like functionalism see it as necessary for society, while conflict theory views it as certain groups exploiting others. Stratification is evident in the United States through inequality in income, wealth, health outcomes, and poverty rates along racial and gender lines.
The document discusses social justice and related concepts. It begins by outlining an assignment related to analyzing the importance of a country's Bill of Rights, identifying groups whose rights are violated, and how social justice impacts development. It then defines social justice as the idea that all people deserve equal rights and freedoms. The document also discusses equality versus equity, and lists some social justice issues in the Caribbean related to gender, class, race, minorities, the elderly, disabled, and more. It outlines how colonialism promoted exploitation and injustice, and how Bills of Rights were introduced to protect rights. Finally, it discusses how social justice relates to development, education, productivity, and quality of life.
CAPE Sociology Unit Two Population controlpolicycapesociology
The document discusses reduction in fertility as a population control policy in developing countries. It presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach. Supporters argue that lowering population growth rates through reduced fertility can help achieve social stability by balancing population size with resources. However, critics argue that population size is not the root cause of problems in developing nations, and that coercive population control policies can undermine individual freedoms and fail to achieve their goals. The document concludes that reducing fertility alone may not guarantee social stability, and that unequal resource distribution between nations also contributes to social and economic issues.
The document discusses poverty globally and in specific regions and countries. It begins by defining poverty and providing statistics on its global prevalence. It then examines poverty levels and causes in developing countries, Haiti, Africa, and the United States. Several charitable organizations that provide aid to reduce poverty are also mentioned. Theories like conflict theory and structural functionalism are used to explain causes and functions of poverty in societies.
This document discusses key concepts around social identity, oppression, and privilege. It defines social identity as aspects of one's self-concept derived from group membership. Dominant groups have power and control over standards, while subordinate groups face disadvantages and differential treatment. Oppression involves the exploitation of subordinate groups by dominant groups through cultural imposition and power imbalances. Privilege refers to unearned advantages available to dominant groups. The document suggests understanding privilege and using concepts of both privilege and lack of privilege to work towards more equal opportunities and rights for all members of society.
Amartya sen model povery and famine on 18 07-2018 final at naemDrShamsulArefin
This document provides a summary of Amartya Sen's book "Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation". The book examines the causes of starvation and famines. It argues that the traditional focus on food supply is flawed and develops an alternative "entitlement approach" focused on ownership and exchange. The entitlement approach looks at a person's ability to obtain food through legal and social means like production, trade, and employment. The document summarizes several chapters which provide historical examples to illustrate this approach, including the Bengal famine of 1943, famines in Ethiopia and the Sahel region of Africa, and a 1974 famine in Bangladesh.
This document summarizes the history of poverty in America from the industrialization era to modern times. It discusses how poverty is measured officially using poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition. The document also outlines government assistance programs like Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and the Affordable Care Act, as well as initiatives like Promise Zones to help reduce poverty. Maps show higher poverty rates exist in more populated areas and cities.
This document discusses poverty, including its various definitions, types, and measurements. It defines poverty as a lack of basic human needs like food, shelter, and clothing. There are two main types of poverty - absolute and relative. Poverty is commonly measured using indicators like the headcount ratio, poverty gap index, and squared poverty gap index. The document also outlines some characteristics and impacts of poverty like effects on health, hunger, education, housing, and violence. It provides statistics on global poverty and discusses strategies for reducing poverty.
Poverty deprives people of basic needs like food, water, shelter, and clothes. It is caused by a lack of education, natural disasters, lack of money, greed, lack of opportunities, overpopulation, and addictions like drugs and alcohol. The harsh truth is that over 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 a day, 1 in 2 children live in poverty, and 22,000 children die daily due to poverty. Solutions include reducing war, increasing government assistance, and promoting education and opportunities through donations and aid.
The document discusses poverty globally and in Darfur, Sudan specifically. It notes that half the world lives on less than $2 per day, nearly a billion people can't read or write, and 1.8 million children die from diarrhea each year due to lack of basic healthcare in poor countries. In Darfur, two million people are hungry, 400,000 have died, and 10,000 continue to die each month as people flee violence. The World Food Programme is working to address hunger among refugees by providing food donations.
This document discusses poverty in America through statistics and analysis on topics such as income inequality, wealth distribution, education disparities, the criminal justice system, and funding biases that disproportionately impact minority communities and the poor. It argues that current civil rights narratives and the majority of charitable resources focus on upper-middle class issues rather than addressing the systemic roots of poverty. The document advocates for connecting people, resources, and technology to better serve those in need.
This document discusses poverty and the organization Free The Children. It defines poverty as having little money or resources. Free The Children was founded in 1995 to help prevent child labor and support rural communities through projects providing education, healthcare, jobs, clean water, and sanitation. Some key points made are:
- Free The Children operates in countries like Sierra Leone, Kenya, China and Sri Lanka.
- Their "Adopt A Village" program builds schools, wells, and provides medical care and jobs.
- They have built over 650 schools educating 55,000 children daily and offer volunteer trips.
- An annual "We Day" event motivates youth to take action on issues through Free The Children campaigns.
Ppt on poverty, poverty, poverty in india, poverty in world, world poverty, p...kushagra21
Poverty is defined as being deprived of basic needs like food, water, shelter, and clothes. It is caused by factors such as lack of education, natural disasters, lack of money, lack of opportunities, overpopulation, and addiction. Poverty leads to high mortality rates, increased health risks, hampers children's development, inhibits education, and increases conflict. Globally, over 1 billion people live on less than $1.25 per day, 22,000 children die daily due to poverty, and 8 million die annually from lack of food and nutrition. The majority of the world's hungry population lives in just 7 countries including India.
Why Federal Poverty Measure Is Not Enoughanaghadange
This is an attempt to highlight why we need an alternative poverty measure. The presentation also tries to illustrate the drawbacks and real world consequences of the current system.
This document contains information from various sources on issues related to poverty, homelessness, and healthcare in Nova Scotia. It includes statistics on poverty rates, challenges to healthcare access for those experiencing homelessness, and innovative programs and organizations addressing these issues. A panel discussion is described that focuses on challenges to care provision for those living in poverty and homeless, innovative solutions, and insights into the state of health and healthcare.
Health inequalities presentation (should definitely work)unipal390
The document discusses health inequalities and their causes and effects. It defines health inequalities as preventable differences in health status between different groups in society. Social and economic factors like income, education and employment have a significant influence on individual and group health. Inequalities have many negative effects, including unfairness, higher risks of illness and premature death for disadvantaged groups. Several government reports over the decades, including the Black Report, Acheson Report and Marmot Review, have examined health inequalities in the UK and made recommendations to reduce them. Child poverty is strongly associated with poorer health outcomes for children. Reducing the gap between rich and poor is important for improving population health.
Poverty and Health - An Inconvenient TruthTimothy Bray
Poverty is a well known correlate of medicine. In this presentation, delivered to the Family Medicine residents at UT Southwestern School of Medicine, we explore the origins of our definitions of poverty and the role it plays in health in Dallas County, Texas.
This document provides an overview of poverty in Pakistan. It defines poverty, discusses types of poverty such as absolute and relative poverty. It also outlines factors that affect poverty like economic growth and inequality. Causes of poverty mentioned include lack of education, materialism, large-scale imports, and division of agricultural land. Effects of poverty include increased disease, low birth weight, stress, and homelessness. The document concludes with proposed solutions to poverty such as ensuring basic human rights, redistributing land and resources, and canceling debt in developing countries.
(HEPE) Introduction To Health Disparities 1antz505
Many youth leaders are compelled to do work with community based non-profit and local public health agencies as both a service learning and philanthropic component in their development as young professionals. However, despite invaluable experiential learning, students often don\'t comprehend key overarching issues such as health disparities, social determinants of health, health policy and community organizing. To address this gap and optimize their community based work, the Health Disparities Student Collaborative (HDSC), a Boston-based student group under Critical MASS for eliminating health disparities and the Center for Community Health Education Research and Service Inc. (CCHERS), developed a curriculum for students designed to broaden their perspectives while working with local public health, non-profit/community organizations and to develop their interest and ability to visualize the power of their collective voice as students and contributors to social justice work. The curriculum utilizes peer education and webinar software and covers three main topics: Current State of Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, and Youth Activism on Health Disparities/Social Determinants of Health. HDSC has collaborated with local partners CCHERS/Critical MASS and the Community Based Public Health Caucus (CBPHC) Youth Council to develop this comprehensive “Health Equality Peer Education” training.
Poverty and inequality in a changing contextLindsey Cottle
This document outlines poverty, inequality, and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It defines poverty in monetary, capability, and participatory terms. It discusses measuring poverty through monetary indicators like consumption, capability indicators like health and education, and inequality indicators like income distribution. It notes most of the world's poor now live in middle-income countries rather than low-income countries. The document then outlines the MDGs on eradicating poverty, improving health, education, gender equality, and the environment. It discusses options for a post-2015 framework, including both macroeconomic approaches like foreign aid and microeconomic approaches like employment creation and public services. It proposes evaluating the MDGs from different perspectives and discourses.
Review of Franz Fanon's argument on violence Wai Lap Michael
The document discusses the causes and justifications of revolutions in third world countries. It examines several theories on what causes revolutions, including economic exploitation, psychological factors like relative deprivation, and weaknesses in state structures. It also analyzes Frantz Fanon's view that violence is necessary and justified in anti-colonial revolutions to remedy the psychological effects of colonization and dehumanization when non-violent options are not available. However, some critiques argue that Fanon's view assumes violence is the only means and does not consider the potential negative consequences of an escalating conflict. There is no clear consensus on whether democracy can emerge from a violent revolution.
The document discusses the effects of poverty on childhood language and literacy development. It notes that language is key to literacy learning and that exposure to words helps develop knowledge. Poverty can negatively impact early language skills and language stimulation children receive. Research shows a gap in the number of words, variety of words, and time spent with reading that children from low-income homes hear compared to children from higher-income homes. This language gap can be detected as early as 18 months of age. Strategies used in high-performing, high-poverty schools include effective leadership, engaging parents and the community, having high expectations, focusing on reading, aligning the curriculum, using data, building instructional capacity, and optimizing time
The document discusses different types of natural disasters and their impacts. It notes that earthquakes are the deadliest natural disasters, killing many through collapsing buildings and fires. It also states that flooding is the most expensive type of disaster, with flood damage costs reaching hundreds of billions of euros annually. Additionally, at least 500 million people live near active volcanoes, which can bury areas with ash and lava during eruptions.
Social class is defined based on wealth, power, and prestige. There are generally considered to be six social classes in the United States ranging from the upper class with incomes over $1,000,000 to the underclass with incomes under $10,000. One's social class impacts many life outcomes such as health, behaviors, marriage, and likelihood of incarceration. While social mobility is possible, it is often limited between generations and for disadvantaged groups such as women and racial minorities.
The document discusses different perspectives on poverty and proposes that people are not inherently poor but are made poor due to faults in existing systems. It argues that poverty is a result of lack of education, awareness, and proper leadership. It calls for reforms to systems and leadership with visions for nation building to empower people and utilize a country's potential for development.
Comments (add 5) In some ways, the result of all the tax money an.docxclarebernice
Comments (add 5): In some ways, the result of all the tax money and charity that has been funneled into the aim at eliminating poverty is baffling. As we continue the conversation, it will become less so.
As a beginning, consider that people in the U.S. have moved out of that deep poverty, yet there are still many who fall into the federal guidelines of the poverty rate while they have cars, air conditioners, widescreen televisions, and other things that most of us do not put into the same category as food, shelter, and clothing.
Class,
What do you think could be some of the reasons for this?
Response one PADM-01
Programs such as SNAP and Section 8 Housing definitely assist low income families financially, but I don't believe these programs are working effectively to reduce the poverty rate. With the exception of countries like Mexico and Turkey, the United States is one of the highest ranking poverty rates in the entire world.
Poverty cannot be completely eliminated. However, there are several ways to reduce and improve it. One way is by developing and implementing rapid and sustained economic growth policies and programs, in areas such as health, education, nutrition and sanitation. Then, allowing the poor to participate and contribute to the growth. Another is to allow the impoverished to empowering themselves by involving them in the development and implementation of plans and programs to reduce and eradicate poverty. Their involvement ensures that programs reflect those things that are important to them. Creating and improving access to jobs and income, developing entrepreneurial talent, and providing access to technology/innovation are steps that can be taken toward reducing poverty in the world. The key to reducing poverty is education. Given the strong connection between educational success and economic disadvantage, we might expect education policy to focus on ways to overcome the effects of poverty. The primary question lingering with me is "should alleviating poverty be the primary purpose of our public schools?" I just can't come up with a clear answer. Yes, poor people absolutely need more education and skill training, but they also need an economic context wherein they can realize the economic returns from their improved human capital. Over the past few decades, the set of institutions and norms that historically maintained the link between skills and incomes have been diminished, particularly for non-college-educated workers. Restoring their strength and status is essential if we want the poor to reap the benefits they deserve from educational advancement.
With that said, I believe the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) needs a considerable overhaul. States’ primary performance measure under TANF, the work participation rate, discourages states from assisting families in the greatest need. States are more likely to meet the rate if they assist families that already have some education, skills, and/or ...
This document summarizes key economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty. It discusses causes and types of each challenge and policies governments use to address them. Inflation is defined as a general increase in price levels rather than specific price changes. Governments control inflation through monetary policy and interest rates. They address unemployment through automatic stabilizers like unemployment insurance and address poverty with programs like welfare, food stamps, and income tax credits.
This document summarizes key economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty. It discusses causes and types of each challenge and policies governments use to address them. Inflation is defined as a general increase in price levels rather than specific price changes. Governments control inflation through monetary policy and interest rates. They address unemployment through automatic stabilizers like unemployment insurance and address poverty with programs like welfare, food stamps, and income tax credits.
This document summarizes key economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty. It discusses causes and types of each challenge and policies governments use to address them. Inflation is defined as a general increase in price levels rather than specific price changes. Governments control inflation through monetary policy and interest rates. They address unemployment through automatic stabilizers like unemployment insurance and address poverty with programs like welfare, food stamps, and income tax credits.
This document summarizes key economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty. It discusses causes and types of each challenge and policies governments use to address them. Inflation is defined as a general increase in price levels rather than specific price changes. Governments control inflation through monetary policy and interest rates. They address unemployment through automatic stabilizers like unemployment insurance and address poverty with programs like welfare, food stamps, and income tax credits.
This document summarizes key economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty. It discusses causes and types of each challenge and policies governments use to address them. Inflation is defined as a general increase in price levels rather than specific price changes. Governments control inflation through monetary policy and interest rates. They address unemployment through automatic stabilizers like unemployment insurance and address poverty with programs like welfare, food stamps, and income tax credits.
This document summarizes key economic challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty. It discusses causes and types of each challenge and policies governments use to address them. Inflation is defined as a general increase in price levels rather than specific price changes. Governments control inflation through monetary policy and interest rates. They address unemployment through automatic stabilizers like unemployment insurance and address poverty with programs like welfare, food stamps, and income tax credits.
THE RECENT SLOWDOWN IN THE WAR ON POVERTY 50 Y.docxAASTHA76
THE RECENT SLOWDOWN IN
THE WAR ON POVERTY 50
YEARS LATER:
A PROGRESS REPORT
The Council of Economic Advisers
January 2014
2
Executive Summary
“Unfortunately, many Americans live on the outskirts of hope—some because of their poverty,
and some because of their color, and all too many because of both. Our task is to help replace
their despair with opportunity. This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional
war on poverty in America. I urge this Congress and all Americans to join with me in that effort.”
- President Lyndon B. Johnson, January 8, 1964
Fifty years ago, in January of 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a “War on Poverty”
and introduced initiatives designed to improve the education, health, skills, jobs, and access to
economic resources of those struggling to make ends meet. While there is more work to do, in
the ensuing decades we have strengthened and reformed many of these programs and had
significant success in reducing poverty. In this report, the Council of Economic Advisers presents
evidence of the progress made possible by decades of bipartisan efforts to fight poverty by
expanding economic opportunity and rewarding hard work. We also document some of the
key steps the Obama Administration has taken to further increase opportunity and economic
security by improving key programs while ensuring greater efficiency and integrity. These steps
prevented millions of hardworking Americans from slipping into poverty during the worst
economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Poverty has declined by more than one-third since 1967.
The percent of the population in poverty when measured to include tax credits and
other benefits has declined from 25.8 percent in 1967 to 16.0 percent in 2012.
These figures use new historical estimates of the Census Bureau’s Supplemental Poverty
Measure (SPM) anchored to today’s poverty thresholds. The SPM is widely
acknowledged to measure poverty more accurately than the official poverty measure,
which excludes the value of refundable tax credits and benefits like nutrition assistance
and has other limitations.
By anchoring the measure to today’s poverty standards we are able to ask how many
people in each year since 1967 would have had inflation-adjusted family resources
below the 2012 SPM poverty thresholds.
Despite real progress in the War on Poverty, there is more work to do.
In 2012, there were 49.7 million Americans grappling with the economic and social
hardships of living below the poverty line, including 13.4 million children.
While the United States is often seen as the land of economic opportunity, only about
half of low-income Americans make it out of the lowest income distribution quintile
over a 20-year period. About 40 percent of the differences in parents’ income are
3
reflected in children’s income as they become adults, pointing to strong lingerin.
RUNNING HEADER POVERTY IN AMERICA8StudentInstructorCo.docxagnesdcarey33086
RUNNING HEADER: POVERTY IN AMERICA
8
Student
Instructor
Course
Date
Poverty in America
Introduction
THESIS; studies and research reveal that poverty still exists within America despite being rated amongst the developed countries.
Poverty exists within a country when the consumption level is at its highest level reducing the disposable income of consumers within the country. This majorly occurs when the economy is at its worst thus the value of money drops reducing the availability of resources. On the other hand, the most affected individuals are usually the citizens living in areas that are not endowed economically. This thus means that they are deprived of money, goods and even services. High levels of poverty often come along with unemployment and all negative factors that reduce economic performance of a country. America is one of the countries that have been poverty stricken and the efforts to get rid of the same have always been difficult for the nation. The most affected individuals include those who reside in the rural areas as access to resources often proves difficult for them. The performance in these places is also poor in terms of contribution of revenue to boost the economy (Pimpare, 261).
Reasons for its occurrence
A survey done recently shows that the United Nations has a population of 46 million people and the census taken recently shows that out of the whole population, 15% of this number is affected by poverty. The rate of poverty increases from one year to the next resulting in more and more of these individuals to be affected. This is due to the lifestyle adopted by the Americans as well as the changing climatic conditions. The lifestyle can be dealt with by examining the increase in the number of single mothers who are bestowed with the role of guarding their children (Pimpare, 28-44). With the existing low income wages, then such individuals are not in a position to sustainable guard themselves and the children too. Consequently, the global warming effects have largely contributed to the inadequacy of resources worldwide and the United States is most affected due to its industrialization. Despite the many industries, growth of natural foods as well as health is largely compromised.
There are several factors that increase poverty within the United States despite the fact that it is a developed nation. These factors include the high levels of loss of jobs amongst individuals. Consumption levels as per economics are hard to adjust after a certain level has been achieved. This thus means that these individuals searching for jobs find lots of difficulty adjusting to the change in their income and thus the contribution to poverty. The other factor is the level of education acquired by these individuals. Illiteracy contributes highly to the inability of individuals to raise income for use and it also lowers the creativity to act and earn for a living. Individuals of this kind thus face poverty and lower the econo.
I am not sure the Stats Canada analysis are apples to apples when it comes to poverty numbers. Harper was down to 8% level when you look at LICO area. The LICO areas have gone up under @JustinTrudeau So, what are the real numbers?
This document summarizes the causes and extent of poverty in Canada. It notes that poverty stems from factors like unemployment, low wages, lack of education, and limited access to resources. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 5 million or 1 in 7 Canadians live below the low-income cutoff. The document discusses how Ontario Works addresses unemployment and poverty in Ontario by providing resources, but these are currently stretched thin. It argues that poverty is often misunderstood and temporary solutions are pursued rather than addressing its underlying causes.
This document summarizes the history of poverty in America from the industrialization era to modern times. It discusses how poverty is measured using thresholds and guidelines, and analyzes poverty levels and the impact of government assistance programs. Specific agencies that help the poor are also outlined, including how healthcare reform like the Affordable Care Act and Promise Zone initiatives aim to reduce poverty rates. Wealth inequality in the U.S. is significant as shown in an included video.
The document discusses proposals in Congress to address the federal budget deficit that could negatively impact families living in poverty through cuts to important social programs. It provides examples of proposed cuts to Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, child nutrition programs, and more. Advocates argue these cuts would increase poverty and hunger. The document encourages readers to educate themselves and contact their representatives to urge alternative approaches that protect vulnerable populations.
This document summarizes recommendations from a policy report on breaking the cycle of poverty in young families through two-generation strategies. The two-generation approach aims to meet the needs of both parents and children simultaneously by providing services like education, workforce training, childcare and development. The report calls for policy changes at the federal, state and local levels as well as for organizations. Recommended federal policies include redefining poverty levels, increasing minimum wage and funding for existing programs. State/local policies should support blended funding and workforce development. Organizations need help with grants, data collection and collaboration. The overall goal is to provide comprehensive support for young parents and children's economic mobility.
This document summarizes recommendations from a policy report on breaking the cycle of poverty in young families through two-generation strategies. The two-generation approach aims to meet the needs of both parents and children simultaneously by providing services like education, workforce training, childcare and development. The report calls for policy changes at the federal, state and local levels as well as support for organizations implementing two-generation programs. Recommended federal policies include redefining poverty levels, increasing funding for existing programs, and providing tax relief and workforce access for working families. State/local policies should support coordination across services and funding. Organizations need help with evaluation, collaboration and accessing grants. Case studies highlight promising two-generation programs and policies in states like Washington,
The document discusses various ways to help address extreme poverty around the world. It notes that over 12% of people in the US live in poverty, compared to over 70% in Congo who suffer from malnutrition. While the US provides foreign aid, some of it has been misused or stolen by corrupt government officials in places like Afghanistan. The document proposes increasing education and awareness, encouraging donations even of small amounts, and investigating organizations working on issues like the IMF, World Bank, trade policies, and development programs in order to most effectively help reduce global poverty.
The document discusses various ways to help address extreme poverty around the world. It notes that poverty levels in places like the Congo are very high, with 71% of people experiencing malnutrition. It also discusses how foreign aid from countries like the US has been misused in some places. Several organizations have been set up to better monitor foreign aid. The document suggests that more education is needed worldwide to help address poverty. It provides some examples of organizations and websites people can get involved with to help address poverty issues.
1) Hunger affects millions of Americans each year, including difficulties affording food and choosing which family members eat. Hunger can cause lasting health and academic problems for children.
2) While government programs like SNAP provide $84 billion annually to aid hunger, there is debate over costs and fraud. Local food banks help fill gaps by providing food to those ineligible for federal programs.
3) Individuals can help by volunteering, donating food or money to local food banks, or contacting representatives to support anti-hunger efforts. Working together through various means can make progress against hunger in communities.
Poverty has both structural and cultural causes. Structurally, poverty is often the result of discrimination and barriers based on factors like race, class, and gender. Culturally, some argue that the poor develop attitudes of fatalism and present-time orientation as adaptations to living in poverty. While employment reduces dependence on government assistance, many full-time workers in America still live in poverty due to low wages and involuntary part-time work. To truly address poverty, policies need to focus on increasing wages, employment opportunities, and access to assistance programs without fostering over-dependence.
The document discusses changes to Michigan's food assistance program that will no longer allow college attendance alone to qualify recipients for benefits. Supporters argue it aligns with the program's purpose of helping those in need and decreases waste, while opponents say some students will suffer without enough assistance from family. Statistics show around 20,000 of the 1.9 million recipients in Michigan may be impacted. The document examines perspectives on both sides and provides recommendations.
1. The Cycle of Poverty in America Axia campus at University of Phoenix Jocelyn Besse February 27, 2009
2.
3. Government Standard for Poverty The standard for poverty is out dated. The amount of income spent on food has more than doubled. All other living expenses have inflated as well, not just the cost of feeding a family.
6. Advocates for Social Justice The mission of early social workers was to speak up for those who could not stand up for themselves. Today’s social workers are more institutionalized. Human services should focus more on representing the people, instead of the government.
7. Concerns of Human Service Workers Clients with medical issues. Individuals emotional well being. Reliable transportation for client to and from work. Childcare available for client.
10. Concerns for Human Services Industry The government continues to cut programs and funding the Human Services need to provide the sufficient help. Without the proper programs, the issues such as poverty, will continue to become more overwhelming. Today’s economy needs programs provided by human services.
11. Barriers to Ending Poverty Standards for determining Poverty levels have not changed since 1960. Reported incomes are inaccurate. An annual salary at minimum wage does not even meet the poverty level. Lack of or now inadequate education.
12.
13. Applying Knowledge The standards for poverty need to be updated. Minimum wage needs to be raised so an annual income is at least equal to the current poverty level, after taxes. The poverty level could be lowered to meet the annual income after taxes.
14. References US Poverty Map-http://www.flickr.com/photos/iowapublictelevision/3232848644/ 1in 6 http://www.fundraisers.com/causes/awarejan.html http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveglass/3089028339/ Mexican Store http://www.flickr.com/photos/14168877@N04/3032287883/ Other America
15. References Minimum Wage Rates. 2009. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved February 1, 2009 at http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.htm#Kentucky Some Facts about Poverty in Northern Kentucky. 2006. Northern Kentucky Community Action Center. Retrieved February 1, 2009 at http://www.nkcac.org/newsroom/pverty-facts.htm Fannie Mae Foundation. http://www.fanniemae.com/housingcommdev/solutions/index.jhtml?p=Affordable+Housing+%26+Community+Development&s=Affordable+Housing+Solutions Community Action Kentucky. 2008. Poverty in Kentucky. Retrieved January 18, 2009, from http://www.kaca.org/PovertyinKentucky/PovertyOutlook/tabid/444/Default.aspx
Editor's Notes
Poverty in America is a growing issue, especially in today’s economy. Poverty is not just those that are unemployed or unable to work. Families with jobs are living in poverty as well. Though there may be money coming into the home, those families living in poverty often have to decide whether to pay bills, or buy food and clothing. Without the assistance of human services, these families would not be able to afford food, shelter, or clothing. Yet, despite the endless work of human services, poverty in America continues to rise.
The government standard for determining poverty has remained the same since 1960. The government multiplied the amount of income that went to providing food by three. During that time, the amount of income spent on food was one-third. Today, money spent on food alone accounts for one-seventh a family’s income. Government standards do raise the poverty level annually due to inflation of food prices, but do not consider any other inflation such as: medical costs, fuel, childcare, or rising mortgage and rent. This leaves the standard for poverty not only outdated, but grossly inaccurate (NCCP, Measuring Poverty in the United States, 2008).
There are a number of programs supported by the government that aid those who live below the poverty level. A family can apply for food stamps, which is a monthly allowance determined by number of family members and income, to spend specifically on food. The Fannie Mae Foundation is a housing lender that receives grants from the government to lower mortgage rates so that middle and low income families can afford a home to live in (Fannie Mae Foundation, n.d.). Section 8 housing is available to low income families. This program provides apartments to families with low income. The program will either pay a portion or all of the families rent, depending on how much income is made. WIC is a program to help provide mothers and children with the recommended portions of dairy. A family will receive vouchers for dairy products such as milk, eggs, and cheese.
Though you may not realize it, you probably know one person that lives in poverty. The other America.
As a Human Service worker, your mission should be to advocate for the needs of those that cannot provide for themselves. Human Services is there to represent the needs of the people to the government. Today, however, human services seems to represent the government’s standards to the people.
As a Human service worker, you should be concerned with a multitude of angles that are all under poverty. There may be other issues that are preventing a client from obtaining a job. Their may be a medical condition that prevents the client from working, lack of childcare or transportation (NKCAC, 2009). These obstacles may make a client’s emotional well being suffer. Therefore, a social worker may need to address these other concerns before being able to successfully match a client with a job that will help start them on their way out of poverty.
There are organizations that are dedicated to helping those currently living in poverty. These organizations fight for laws to be changed to better enable them to serve the people. They are dedicated to making sure that those that need help, have a voice to ask for it. The National Center for Children in Poverty is an advocacy program that provides financial and emotional programs for families with children in poverty. The Community Action Center is also a program that advocates for the needy.
Children are some of the most common victims of poverty. It is also more likely for a child who grows up in poverty to continue the cycle due to a poor education.
Funding cuts for government assistance has continued to rise. This has made it more difficult for human services to provide the necessary programs to assist those who need help. In today’s economical decline, these programs are even more direly needed.
While Human Services is dedicated to the health and well being of the people, there are obstacles they must face. One of these is an outdated standard for determining poverty. If a family's income before taxes is the requirement for determining eligibility for assistance, a family may not get the proper assistance. Then, the more income a family makes, the less assistance they receive. If a family is barely able to make all their bills, when government assistance is helping pay a portion of it, such as section 8 rent and utility assistance, any extra money they make would be making up for the assistance they are losing instead of putting them ahead. Even when minimum wage is raised to $7.25 in June 2009, a family’s annual income will amount to $15,080. The poverty level for a family of three is $16,079. It is near impossible for a family to overcome poverty working forty hours a week, fifty-two weeks a year and still be left $1,000 below the poverty level (Community Action Kentucky, 2008). The families that survive on minimum wage are able to seek assistance, however, they are still being cheated out of the amount of assistance that is really needed. Government programs such as food stamps and welfare, add all income that a family has before taxes are taken out. This results in the recorded amount of income being higher than what the family actually receives. Added to an already inflated record of income that any increase in income needs to be reported, and with each increase their level of assistance lowers (, it is no wonder why the cycle of poverty cannot be broken.Families that live in poverty often cut short their education due to lack of transportation or school materials. Even those that received their education and graduated from college thirty years ago, are finding the need to be reeducated. The vast growth of technology has left those that graduated thirty or more years ago in need of classes to help them learn how to use the advancements in technology. High tech jobs are now being given to students freshly out of college because they are familiar with and have been trained to use the latest advancements in technology, Whereas older employees have not had the opportunity of becoming familiar with these advancements (Community Action Kentucky, 2008).
While poverty is indiscriminate and can affect anyone, the most likely to be affected are: immigrants, children, and the handicapped.
In order to even begin toeradicate poverty, the standards need to reflect the times. All prices have inflated, not just food. The poverty level should include these inflations as well. Either minimum wage should be high enough that the annual income, after taxes, for a family is the same as the poverty level; or the poverty level should be lowered to the amount equal to the annual salary of minimum wage after taxes. If both of these are kept the same, a family living off of minimum wage will probably never make it out of poverty when their annual salary is a thousand dollars below the poverty level already, and that’s still before taxes are taken out. Which leaves them even further below the poverty level. As a human service worker, it would be part of my responsibility to advocate these changes (Community Action Kentucky, 2008).