Questions and Answers
What high degree of poverty in the US is created by?
US poverty could be abolished if we cared to.
True
What was Matthew Desmond's childhood background?
A struggling preacher's son who grew up in Winslow, Arizona and attended ASU.
Where did Matthew Desmond receive his PhD?
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This is who we are: the richest country on earth, with more poverty than _____
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How many people in the US live in poverty?
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What is the Official Poverty Measure (OPM)?
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What does Desmond say about poverty?
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What is disaggregating poverty?
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What was the AFDC?
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The rise of single-parent households is blamed for high US poverty rates.
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What does MD argue about poverty?
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What are payday lenders?
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What does opportunity hoarding refer to?
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What is the 'success sequence' step 1?
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What is the original goal of Indiana's private school voucher program?
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What is the belief among many middle-class families regarding government help?
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Study Notes
Poverty in America Overview
- Poverty in the US is a systemic issue created by societal structures, rather than a natural occurrence.
- Matthew Desmond advocates for the potential to abolish poverty through concerted effort.
Matthew Desmond's Background
- Grew up as a struggling preacher’s son in Winslow, Arizona.
- Holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin, focusing on evictions and poverty, resulting in the influential book "Evicted."
Poverty Statistics
- Approximately 1 in 9 individuals and 1 in 8 children live in poverty in the United States.
- The US has a higher poverty rate compared to other advanced democracies.
Understanding Poverty
- The Official Poverty Measure (OPM) was developed in 1965 to classify poverty levels.
- Poverty involves not just economic hardship but also trauma, instability, physical pain, and a loss of liberty.
Types of Poverty
- Different experiences of poverty exist including generational, working-class, immigrant, and situational poverty.
Historical Context
- In 1960, foreign-born residents made up 1 in 20 of the US population; by 2023, that ratio increased to 1 in 8.
- There has been a significant decline in marriage among poor families, with nearly 30% of single parents living in poverty.
Theories of Poverty
- Various theories blame the poor for their condition, including cultural narratives that suggest poverty stems from behavioral failings.
- Economic structures, such as deindustrialization and globalization, have led to job losses and increased poverty rates.
- Desmond argues that poverty is sustained by exploiting low-income individuals, as many entities profit from their circumstances.
Consumer Exploitation
- Poor families often pay more for goods and services; labor and consumer exploitation is prevalent.
- Landlords in poorer neighborhoods can profit more than those in affluent areas due to lower operational costs relative to rent prices.
- Poor families face barriers to relocating to better housing, including discrimination and financial constraints.
Impact of COVID-19
- The federal government implemented relief measures during the pandemic, leading to a decrease in poverty levels and child poverty specifically.
- Misconceptions about unemployment benefits negatively affecting the work ethic during the pandemic were disproven by job growth data.
Education and Opportunity
- Public services increasingly serve only the poor, while the affluent withdraw from communal resources, leading to inequality in educational access.
- Opportunity hoarding occurs when affluent families monopolize educational resources, perpetuating inequality for lower-income families.
- The "success sequence" emphasizes completing high school, obtaining full-time work, and delaying childbirth until marriage as steps to escape poverty.
Educational Policies and Outcomes
- Indiana's private school voucher program aimed to support low-income families but has expanded eligibility beyond its original intent, diluting its effectiveness for the targeted demographic.
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Description
Explore key concepts from Matthew Desmond's work on poverty in the United States. This flashcard set covers important definitions and insights related to poverty and Desmond's personal background. Perfect for those studying social issues and the implications of economic inequality.
