Cause Of Child Poverty In The United States
Child Poverty in the United States
Tracy Crawford
April 29, 2012
University of Phoenix
When we think of children living in poverty, most might think it is mainly a problem in third world countries. We have all see the commercials asking for donations to help the children from countries in Africa but how often do we hear about the children in the
United States? In the past decade child poverty has been on the rise in this country.
Child poverty has long and short-term hardships that involve implications with health and development. Developmental problems are a risk for children, who live in poverty, particularly if poverty occurs early in their life. This paper will examine the causes of child poverty …show more content…
Blame the poor supports the view that everyone is
responsible for their own economic stature. Anthropologist Oscar Lewis performed a
study on poverty in 1961. His findings led him to the conclusion that poor people become
trapped in a “culture of poverty” thus creating a cycle of poverty. The second view on
poverty is to blame society. This view points to the loss of jobs in inner cities and claims
that there is just not enough work. This view also believes that the government should
fund jobs and provide affordable childcare to low-income families. (Macionis, 2011)
The government measures poverty by an income standard. However, the current poverty
measure was developed in the 1960’s and is need of updating due to various types of
inflation. The Federal poverty level needs to be updated to show the correct poverty level
with today’s cost of living expenses.
The Effects of Child Poverty and Health
Child poverty is a serous condition with long-term effects. It has been said that children
who grow up in these circumstances are more prone to severe health problems, than those
children who live in a better financial situation. Infants born into poverty have an …show more content…
These kids may also have few places
to play or get exercise, which can lead to weight problems. Children in poverty are at
higher risk for chronic health conditions like anemia, asthma, or pneumonia. Children
who experience poor living conditions may be exposed to environmental hazards like
medical waste or lead paint. In the United States, lack of health care insurance puts many
poor children at risk. (Da Fonseca, 2012).
The Effects of Child Poverty and Education
Not only do children in poverty stricken homes face health issues but also are at
risk of not receiving a quality education. Absenteeism is a huge factor in a obtaining a
successful education. If a child misses a great deal of their daily academics then it will
ultimately have a negative effect on reading, math and general knowledge. According to
the NCCP, studies have found that chronic absenteeism in early grade levels will lead to
low achievement as the finish elementary school. Due to the lack of proper
transportation, food and clothing, poor families may choose to just keep their children at
home. Another key issue with attendance is up to date immunization records. It
Tracy Crawford
April 29, 2012
University of Phoenix
When we think of children living in poverty, most might think it is mainly a problem in third world countries. We have all see the commercials asking for donations to help the children from countries in Africa but how often do we hear about the children in the
United States? In the past decade child poverty has been on the rise in this country.
Child poverty has long and short-term hardships that involve implications with health and development. Developmental problems are a risk for children, who live in poverty, particularly if poverty occurs early in their life. This paper will examine the causes of child poverty …show more content…
Blame the poor supports the view that everyone is
responsible for their own economic stature. Anthropologist Oscar Lewis performed a
study on poverty in 1961. His findings led him to the conclusion that poor people become
trapped in a “culture of poverty” thus creating a cycle of poverty. The second view on
poverty is to blame society. This view points to the loss of jobs in inner cities and claims
that there is just not enough work. This view also believes that the government should
fund jobs and provide affordable childcare to low-income families. (Macionis, 2011)
The government measures poverty by an income standard. However, the current poverty
measure was developed in the 1960’s and is need of updating due to various types of
inflation. The Federal poverty level needs to be updated to show the correct poverty level
with today’s cost of living expenses.
The Effects of Child Poverty and Health
Child poverty is a serous condition with long-term effects. It has been said that children
who grow up in these circumstances are more prone to severe health problems, than those
children who live in a better financial situation. Infants born into poverty have an …show more content…
These kids may also have few places
to play or get exercise, which can lead to weight problems. Children in poverty are at
higher risk for chronic health conditions like anemia, asthma, or pneumonia. Children
who experience poor living conditions may be exposed to environmental hazards like
medical waste or lead paint. In the United States, lack of health care insurance puts many
poor children at risk. (Da Fonseca, 2012).
The Effects of Child Poverty and Education
Not only do children in poverty stricken homes face health issues but also are at
risk of not receiving a quality education. Absenteeism is a huge factor in a obtaining a
successful education. If a child misses a great deal of their daily academics then it will
ultimately have a negative effect on reading, math and general knowledge. According to
the NCCP, studies have found that chronic absenteeism in early grade levels will lead to
low achievement as the finish elementary school. Due to the lack of proper
transportation, food and clothing, poor families may choose to just keep their children at
home. Another key issue with attendance is up to date immunization records. It