Poverty in America

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School

University of Mississippi *

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367

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Political Science

Date

May 31, 2024

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docx

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5

Uploaded by AmbassadorSharkMaster1104

1 Poverty in America Jazsica Smots University of Mississippi POL 367: Policy Analysis Online 1 Dr. Sue Ann Skipworth December 5, 2023
2 Poverty in America The Census Bureau uses the official poverty measure (OPM) that compares pre-tax cash income that started in the 1960s (IRP, 2023). In 2010, the Census Bureau introduced the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) to provide an alternative view of poverty in the United States that better reflects life in the 21st century, including contemporary social and economic realities and government policy (Saunders, 2015). The current poverty threshold for a family of four is set at an annual income of $26,500 (OASH). This figure considers the family's size and provides a baseline for determining whether they fall below the poverty line. When it comes to an individual, the current poverty threshold is set at an annual income of $12,880 (OASH). Child poverty is a significant concern worldwide, impacting the lives and prospects of millions of children. According to the most recent available statistics, in 2022, about 16.9% of children under 18 years old were living below the poverty line in the United States, significantly lower than in 1990 (Benson, 2022). The poverty rate of older adults in the United States is a significant issue that requires attention. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate for adults 65 and older was 10.3% (Benson, 2022). Several factors could explain the difference in poverty rates between older and younger adults. First, older adults often rely on fixed sources of income, such as social security benefits and pensions. These sources may not be sufficient to meet their expenses, especially when facing rising healthcare and housing costs. In contrast, younger adults are more likely to be employed and have more significant earning potential, thus reducing their risk of poverty. Furthermore, older adults may face specific challenges that contribute to their higher poverty rates. Many older individuals experience age-related health issues, which may limit their ability to work and their earning capacity. Additionally, older adults often carry more significant debt burdens, such as
3 mortgage or medical debt, exacerbating their financial struggles. In contrast, younger adults typically have fewer health-related limitations and may have less accumulated debt. Measuring poverty within the United States is complex, considering various economic, social, and demographic factors. In the most recent year published, the state with the highest poverty rate was Mississippi, while New Hampshire had the lowest rate. Mississippi has long struggled with poverty, with a rate of approximately 19.7%. This high rate can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of job opportunities, low educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare and social services. The state also faces challenges related to structural inequality, with a significant proportion of its population being African American and experiencing higher rates of poverty compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The national poverty rate serves as a benchmark for comparing the poverty rates of individual states. By examining these rates, we can gain insights into different country regions' varying social and economic conditions. One such striking difference is the poverty rate in Mississippi, which stands at 19.7%, compared to the national poverty rate of 13.4%. This discrepancy raises questions about the economic and social disadvantages faced by the residents of Mississippi. The poverty rate in the United States is not equal across different racial and ethnic groups. People of color, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, experience higher poverty rates compared to their white counterparts. This has limited their access to quality education and job opportunities, resulting in lower incomes and a higher likelihood of living in poverty. Economic disparities further widen the gap in poverty rates. Minority communities often face many challenges, including historical systemic discrimination, leading to limited access to quality education, housing, and healthcare facilities. Discriminatory practices such as redlining,
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