In the United States, one of the richest countries in the world, why are so many people in poverty? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the “official poverty rate in 2014 was 14.8 percent, which means there were 46.7 million people in poverty” (U.S. Census Bureau). Poverty is an important and emotional issue. To understand poverty in the United States, it is essential to look behind these numbers to see the actual living conditions of the individuals the government deems to be poor. The U.S. Census Bureau uses a set of guidelines to determine if families meet that poverty threshold. But even when families who do not meet that government appointed standard of poverty they are still struggling to put food on the table. Poverty is the result
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Lack of education is one of the predominant issues that contribute to poverty in the United States. Without high-quality education, individuals are not qualified for most jobs. Some children have access to better education and resources that put them at an advantage. For example, a child that goes to a first-class private school and has an after school tutor is going to be more educated than another child who goes to an underfunded inner-city school that does not have enough books or school supplies. The first child is given the tools to have success in life while the second child in left behind. Additionally, social activities such as sports, music, art, etc. contribute to a child’s socialization and education. These activities can be expensive and some families do not have the transportation that is required. These extracurricular interests provide children with organized socialization, which helps them to succeed professionally. Moreover, these activities build a child’s resume, which is becoming increasingly necessary to get into institutions or higher …show more content…
The article, Why Do Eligible Households Not Participate in Public Antipoverty Programs? A Review by Kerri L. Nicoll, explores the reasoning behind the lack of participation of families in need. The study explains our understanding of why eligible household may not take advantage of public programs and offers suggestions for future policy and research. The social stigma of those who utilize government assistance is a major reason for the lack of participation. It is especially important for children to receive government assistance if they are in need because no child should have to go to bed hungry. Stigma and discrimination against those who utilize government assistance programs only add to the poverty issue in the United States. Furthermore, those who abuse government assistance create that stigma. The resolution to this issue is complex, but policy reform and reducing dependency is the first step towards breaking the
Lack of education is one of the predominant issues that contribute to poverty in the United States. Without high-quality education, individuals are not qualified for most jobs. Some children have access to better education and resources that put them at an advantage. For example, a child that goes to a first-class private school and has an after school tutor is going to be more educated than another child who goes to an underfunded inner-city school that does not have enough books or school supplies. The first child is given the tools to have success in life while the second child in left behind. Additionally, social activities such as sports, music, art, etc. contribute to a child’s socialization and education. These activities can be expensive and some families do not have the transportation that is required. These extracurricular interests provide children with organized socialization, which helps them to succeed professionally. Moreover, these activities build a child’s resume, which is becoming increasingly necessary to get into institutions or higher …show more content…
The article, Why Do Eligible Households Not Participate in Public Antipoverty Programs? A Review by Kerri L. Nicoll, explores the reasoning behind the lack of participation of families in need. The study explains our understanding of why eligible household may not take advantage of public programs and offers suggestions for future policy and research. The social stigma of those who utilize government assistance is a major reason for the lack of participation. It is especially important for children to receive government assistance if they are in need because no child should have to go to bed hungry. Stigma and discrimination against those who utilize government assistance programs only add to the poverty issue in the United States. Furthermore, those who abuse government assistance create that stigma. The resolution to this issue is complex, but policy reform and reducing dependency is the first step towards breaking the