Effects
Not only does poverty directly effect the person living in it, as well as their family, it effects the rest of the nation.
- Poverty costs the government billions of dollars annually because it strips limited resources from the government that could be used elsewhere to improve our economy. Child poverty ALONE is expected to cost the United States government $500 billion annually in lost productivity, health care costs, and higher criminal-justice expenditures.
- Poverty weakens America's middle class because the increased number of Americans who slip into poverty puts pressure on our nation's revenues due to lower earnings. Long periods of poverty also put effects on human-capital development by limiting access to education, training, and proper health care.
- Poverty weakens communities and the "American Dream". Children living in neighborhoods that experienced a 10% decline in poverty saw a $7,000 increase in family income as adults, compared to those living in neighborhoods with no reduction in poverty.
- Poverty lowers long-term U.S competitiveness. It harms long-term human-capital development. Research shows that children who grow up in poverty have poor performance in school, have limited access to higher education, and are less likely to be prepared for the high-skilled jobs of the future. *22% of the nation's children are living in poverty.*
- Poverty weakens our democracy. Millions of low income Americans do not fully exercise their rights as U.S citizens. Those who have higher earnings are more likely to make their values known to government officials. When citizens with different income levels differ on policy preferences, the policy outcomes strongly reflect the values of the upper class, rather than the middle or lower class. This conflicts with the cherished American ideals of equal representation and political equality.
Causes
Children born into poverty are more likely to grow up in it, and lead a life of poverty themselves. Poor education can lead to poverty because without a good education, a higher education is not likely, which makes it hard to have a high income because people won't be able to handle high-skilled jobs. Another factor that causes poverty is high school drop-outs. The high standard of living, and mostly, the high COSTS of living also contribute a lot to poverty in the United States.
Recommendations
- VOLUNTEER! Volunteering at places such as homeless shelters or soup kitchens can greatly impact a person living in poverty. You can also donate things such as close, personal hygiene products, children's toys, blankets, pillows, and much more to these shelters.
- Increase the wages of low-skill labor.
- Increase education.
Work Cited
http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/poverty/news/2011/12/06/10771/10-reasons-why-cutting-poverty-is-good-for-our-nation/