Various Factors That May Contribute to Poverty

Various Factors That May Contribute to Poverty

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Various Factors That May Contribute to Poverty

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Destinye Ramos. Student 1

I believe that there are various factors that may contribute to poverty. Like the class discussion mentioned sometimes low-income persons have to be huge sacrifices in order to maintain afloat financially such as denying themselves medication, medical insurance, proper services to deal with mental illnesses, etc. Low income persons usually have to choose between two options in order to survive or make it to next pay check. Most low-income people are forced to live paycheck to paycheck and like we discussed in class we all might be one misstep away from falling into poverty. A common belief is that living in poverty is a choice and that those who do live in poverty are lazy. The reality is nobody would choose to live in poverty and there are several factors that may contribute to one who does live in poverty such as depression, an unequal society, low wages, our socially constructed economy that does not distribute the wealth equally which allows the rich to stay rich and the poor to remain poor and the ineffectiveness of antipoverty programs. People tend to believe that if someone lives in poverty it is the fault of the individuals rather than look at the systems in place that the individual interacts with and how it may also impact their financial situation. If we gave more focus to the systems in place then that would allow room to determine where these systems are failing the individuals that depend on them. In regards to social policy welfare it is important to support and elect officials that may share this viewpoint rather than blaming it entirely on the individual so that these systems can be reassessed and more effective.

I do believe that cultural causes of poverty do exist as well because some cultures may believe that a woman should stay home while a man goes out and makes money resulting in a single-family income which at times can be difficult for families to survive on. Even though it may be difficult financially most people value their culture and do not believe in both parents working and that should also be considered when looking at poverty. I know many families where only one individual in the family works sometimes male and sometimes female but it is something that they value and believe and it is their right to live as they choose to do so. It is not our place to attempt to assimilate different cultures into “societal norms” and judge or discriminate against them because their culture has one working individual, we should provide support and accept their culture regardless.

Tameeka Murphy. Student 2

There are many reasons as to why individuals are living in poverty. Some are in poverty because they simply dont make enough money to support themselves and their dependents depending on their family size. Many people who work are living paycheck to paycheck and only have enough money to pay the bills. Some people may have mental and/or physical disabilites which do not allow them to work therefore depending on social welfare programs. I think no one in class mentioned that people are in poverty because they are lazy because that is considered to be a generalized statement and that may not be true for all individuals and families that are in poverty. I dont believe that anyone wants to live in poverty. Who wants to be poor and have to depend on social welfare systems to help them survive?

In the excerpt by Allan Johnson he states ” One of the first things that we see is that poverty doesnt exist by itself”.  This was a powerful quote to me because there are many components to why poverty even exists. As I mentioned earlier there are many reasons why people are considered to be living in poverty. Johnson brings up the point about the overall distribution of income and wealth within society. As we have learned this semester the 5% of the society known as the wealthy are getting richer and richer because of tax breaks that are in their favor to help put money back into the corporations and businesses that they own. Meanwhile the other 95% of America is not getting a tax break and the social programs that many depend on in order to survive are may have major tax cuts that will do harm not help.

I believe that cultural causes of poverty exist. For example, in many cultures the mother is home with the children and the men are out working. With only one income in the family it may become diffcult to care for all members within the family composition depending on the size. I think when it comes to one’s culture there can really be nothing done because that is their belief. Although as a SW we can make suggestions we ultimately cant force someone to change their cultutre. We just simply have to respect it.

Various Factors That May Contribute to Poverty

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