The United States holds the world’s largest single national economy, which makes it the world’s most prominent economic power and a leading country in the world along with other developed countries. There are 15 “developed countries” in the world, countries which have “a highly developed economy and technological and infrastructural advancement” (Singh). The United States is considered the fifth most developed country in the world, however, childhood poverty in the U.S. is the worst compared to other developed countries and it is continuing to increase daily. Because of increasing poverty in the United States, almost one-third of U.S. children maintain a higher risk for cognitive, emotional/behavioral, physical/health problems, unemployment,
…show more content…
Childhood poverty affects cognitive ability. Studies show “as children enter and progress through school, the kids living in poor families continue to perform worse on indices of school achievement. Specifically, poor children were twice as likely to have repeated a grade, to have been expelled or suspended from school, or to have dropped out of high school. Poor children were also 1.4 times as likely to be identified as having a learning disability in elementary or high school than their non-poor counterparts” (Loughan and Perna). “Specifically, poverty affects such cognitive functions as decision-making, memory, focus, patience and even awareness. The scientific reasoning for these shortcomings is linked to the brain’s finite ability. Thus the limited brainpower resulting from poverty infringes on the ability of such people to complete everyday tasks” (Innabi). With cognitive effects that carry on into adulthood, it is clear how the cycle of poverty is easily continued throughout …show more content…
children maintain a higher risk for cognitive, emotional/behavioral, physical/health problems, unemployment, and homelessness throughout their lives (Singh). Comprehensive programs are needed across the country that permit promising students to conquer long odds and become active role models in their community (Martin). Census data show that, as a group, programs that help families struggling to afford the basics are effective at substantially reducing the number of poor and uninsured Americans (Sherman, Trisi, and Parrott). One of the largest positive effects on poverty is Social Security keeping millions of people above the poverty line” (Sherman, Trisi, and Parrott). “The EITC and SNAP are examples of “means-tested” programs, that is, programs that limit assistance to people with low or modest incomes. Other means-tested programs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income seniors and people with disabilities; cash assistance programs funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, and programs that provide non-cash benefits like housing assistance” (Sherman, Trisi, and Parrott). As research has demonstrated, “certain investments in assistance, health care, and education for children in low-income families can have positive long-term effects, such as improving children’s health status, educational success, and future work outcomes” (Sherman, Trisi, and
Childhood poverty affects cognitive ability. Studies show “as children enter and progress through school, the kids living in poor families continue to perform worse on indices of school achievement. Specifically, poor children were twice as likely to have repeated a grade, to have been expelled or suspended from school, or to have dropped out of high school. Poor children were also 1.4 times as likely to be identified as having a learning disability in elementary or high school than their non-poor counterparts” (Loughan and Perna). “Specifically, poverty affects such cognitive functions as decision-making, memory, focus, patience and even awareness. The scientific reasoning for these shortcomings is linked to the brain’s finite ability. Thus the limited brainpower resulting from poverty infringes on the ability of such people to complete everyday tasks” (Innabi). With cognitive effects that carry on into adulthood, it is clear how the cycle of poverty is easily continued throughout …show more content…
children maintain a higher risk for cognitive, emotional/behavioral, physical/health problems, unemployment, and homelessness throughout their lives (Singh). Comprehensive programs are needed across the country that permit promising students to conquer long odds and become active role models in their community (Martin). Census data show that, as a group, programs that help families struggling to afford the basics are effective at substantially reducing the number of poor and uninsured Americans (Sherman, Trisi, and Parrott). One of the largest positive effects on poverty is Social Security keeping millions of people above the poverty line” (Sherman, Trisi, and Parrott). “The EITC and SNAP are examples of “means-tested” programs, that is, programs that limit assistance to people with low or modest incomes. Other means-tested programs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income seniors and people with disabilities; cash assistance programs funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, and programs that provide non-cash benefits like housing assistance” (Sherman, Trisi, and Parrott). As research has demonstrated, “certain investments in assistance, health care, and education for children in low-income families can have positive long-term effects, such as improving children’s health status, educational success, and future work outcomes” (Sherman, Trisi, and