Poverty In Harrell Rodger's Why Are People Poor In America
Today, America is one the most advanced Nations in the world. Unfortunately, its economy is not as advanced as one would assume. The productivity and redistribution of wealth among the people is completely inequitable. While 1% of Americans are enjoying themselves with their surplus of wealth, a large amount of Americans are struggling to simply make ends meet. In a nation where the people live by the American Dream, why are so many people deprived of opportunities that will upgrade their living conditions?
This is question has been raised by many, one being Barabara Ehrenreich. Throughout her book, she explains the experiment she conducted to understand first hand the experiences of a low waged worker, living in a low-income environment. She …show more content…
These theories normally fall into two categories: cultural/behavioral theories or structural/economic theories. Cultural/behavior theories argue that poverty is the result of the behaviors, values, and culture of poor people. Conservatives reside with these arguments while liberals normally favor arguments from structural/economic theories. Structural/Economic theories argue that the cause of poverty has to do with the lack of opportunities for all Americans. Reverting back to the workers from Ehrenreich’s book, they were working to their full potential. Not only that, they were pushing their bodies its limits, and sometimes even further. These workers were nowhere near lazy, or lacked motivation to help themselves; they just did not have the resources or opportunity to help themselves. In those circumstances, William J. Wilson and Cornel West would argue that those workers were handed a raw deal. Unfortunately, it does not matter hard they try to improve their lifestyle, the opportunity simply is not there. Now, this is not the case for all low-wage worker or those in poverty, but it is the norm. Additionally, many people in higher positions attempt to keep it this way because of the benefits they receive from having an underclass in
This is question has been raised by many, one being Barabara Ehrenreich. Throughout her book, she explains the experiment she conducted to understand first hand the experiences of a low waged worker, living in a low-income environment. She …show more content…
These theories normally fall into two categories: cultural/behavioral theories or structural/economic theories. Cultural/behavior theories argue that poverty is the result of the behaviors, values, and culture of poor people. Conservatives reside with these arguments while liberals normally favor arguments from structural/economic theories. Structural/Economic theories argue that the cause of poverty has to do with the lack of opportunities for all Americans. Reverting back to the workers from Ehrenreich’s book, they were working to their full potential. Not only that, they were pushing their bodies its limits, and sometimes even further. These workers were nowhere near lazy, or lacked motivation to help themselves; they just did not have the resources or opportunity to help themselves. In those circumstances, William J. Wilson and Cornel West would argue that those workers were handed a raw deal. Unfortunately, it does not matter hard they try to improve their lifestyle, the opportunity simply is not there. Now, this is not the case for all low-wage worker or those in poverty, but it is the norm. Additionally, many people in higher positions attempt to keep it this way because of the benefits they receive from having an underclass in