Poverty in America Essay Example

Poverty is defined as the shortage of common things such as food, clothing, shelter and safe drinking water, all of which determine quality of life. In 2007, the family poverty rate and the number of families in poverty were 9.8% and 7.6 million. For Hispanics, 21.5% were in poverty, non Hispanic whites 8.2%, blacks 24.5% and Asians 10.2. There are many factors that cause poverty, such as education, unemployment and health. Education is a factor of poverty because its a way of life and opportunity. Without knowledge there is ignorance, and a less opportunity to get a job or career. The majority of people living in poverty are less educated than others. Some of them may be high school drop outs or may have completed high school but can’t get a job to support their family because of the education they didn’t received. Less educated people in poverty may not get the job they desire because that requires a higher education. Jobs require a high school diploma and higher paying jobs require a college degree. Without a high school diploma a single family may be forced to stay in the projects, shelter or may even become homeless. Education is a major factor in poverty. It determines opportunities in jobs and careers.

Secondly, unemployment is a factor that causes poverty. No one can live without a steady income. People in poverty are either without a job, have a job that pays minimum wage or they depend on government for everyday living. People without jobs may find it hard to find a job, more people are being laid off and many jobs are not hiring. Without a job, a single mother or single family could not eat or have proper shelter. The Bureau of Labor Statics stated in January the unemployment rate rose from 7.2 to 7.6 percent. Payroll employment has declined by 3.6 million since December 2007 and about one-half of this decline occurred in the past 3 months. Unemployment is the number one cause of poverty. In America people need a job for everyday living and