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Face Of Poverty In The United States Today

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Face Of Poverty In The United States Today
Poverty in the United States

Liberty University
Introduction to Human Services
HSER 500
Dr. Alicia Akins

Abstract

Poverty is one of the most serious issues in the United States today. Those that are affected were once the minority of society is now emerging as the majority. The new faces of poverty would surprise many people. It is no longer the face of the pleading face of a middle-aged man on a city street holding up a sign that says “Hungry, Need Help.”, or the face of a young child in a classroom, whose only real meal today will be a free school lunch. It is also the sad face of a single mother who doesn’t have enough money to buy clothes for her children.
The truth is that the scope of poverty is evolving …show more content…
With all of the opportunities and resources this country possesses, there are millions of people who are unable to obtain the basic needs in life such as food and shelter. In fact the demographics of individuals have changed dramatically in recent years. They are now becoming part of the population living in poverty. (Lund, 2012, p. 213)
Poverty can be described in many ways, such as the state or condition of having little or no money, goods or means of support. Some measure their standard of living according to number of material items they possess, such as internet access, cable television, and luxury vehicles. Economic Indicators refer to poverty in statistical terms and numerations. In 2011 the poverty rate was 15%. 46.2 Million Americans living at or below the poverty line. However what these definitions and figures do not illustrate that the face of poverty is no longer that of the destitute or indigent individuals and families. Poverty is now becoming a part of mainstream …show more content…
(2007). Restoring the American dream: Fighting Poverty and strengthening the Middle Class [Journal Article]. Journal of Gender, Race and Justice, 10(3), p. 383.
Jacob, H. S. (2011). Reclaiming Middle Class America [Journal Article]. The American Prospect, 22(2).
Bartow, J. (2012). Contemporary Sociology: A Journal of Reviews [Journal Article]. , 42(2), 300-301.
Jones, W. C. (2013, January 7, 2013). Georgia Public Schools could move to student based funding. The Florida Times. Retrieved from www.floridatimes.com
Ladd, H. F. (2012). Education and Poverty: Confronting the Evidence [Journal Article]. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 31(2), 203-227. Retrieved from
Littlefield, M. (2008). The Black Church and Community Development: The next phase of Social Equality [Journal]. Western Journal of Black Studies, 29(4), 687-693.
Lund, C. (2012). Poverty and Mental Health: a review of practical policies [Supplemental Article]. Mental Health Law Weekly, 213.
Martin, M. E. (2011). Introduction to Human Services (2nd ed.). [Coursesmart.com version]. Retrieved from Boston, MA
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