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What is absolute poverty?
Exists when people do not have the means to secure basic necessities. (Food, clothing, shelter)
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What is relative poverty?
exists when people may be able to afford basic necessities, but cannot maintain an average standard of living relative to others in society.
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Who developed the poverty line?
The Social Security Security Administration (SSA).
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What does it cost to live in the U.S.?
- -$28,000 for a family of 3
- -$36,000 for a family of 4
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Who are the poor?
- 1.Greater number of whites in poverty, but black and hispanic are disproportionately poor relative to their number in the general population
- 2. immigrants are disproportionately poor
- 3. single parent, female headed families
- 4. children
- 5. those living in central cities and in rural U.S.
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Why are the working poor so poor?
- 1. Most work low-paid service jobs
- 2. multiple, part time jobs
- 3. Lack of benefits (Healthcare in particular)
- 4. no bank accounts
- 5. pay higher rates for loans, insurance
- 6. poor access to affordable food and goods (groceries)
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What is the deficiency theory?
Poverty is the result of biological or cultural "failings" or inadequacies of individuals.
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What is the structural theory?
- Poverty is the result of unequal access to resources, such as education, good jobs, etc..
- It also focuses on how broad economic changes and governmental policies affect poverty rates.
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More about Deficiency Theories.. What is the Bell Curve?
- Hermstein and Murray argue that a person's position in society is predicted by their genetic cognitive ability.
- IQ explains why certain people remain lower on the socio-economic ladder.
- They argue blacks and latinos are more likely to be poor because of low IQ.
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