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RICH AND POOR IN 21 ST CENTURY AMERICA Americas efforts in improving the economies of scales reveal a large portion of the population that is seriously affected by unfair wage distribution, especially in the international environment where global conditions are unfavorable to poor people. Globalization, per se is sucking the lifeblood out of Corporate America as American wage earners compete with the low paying wage earners of China, and those of the other developing countries in the global market (Yglesias, 2005). Emma Goldman, a well-known political theorist states that there is an alarming gap between the rich and the poor in America. The Census Bureaus Current Population Survey in 2004 indicated that the number of poverty increased by 1. 3 million of last year.
In 2003, 35. 8 million people lived below the poverty line. The poor is indeed overlooked by the government considering that its rate increases every year. Poverty can be controlled over by tightening the labor market. It is considered a mere statistical yardstick that prepares one to be mindful about his or her worth in the society (The Other Planet, 2004).
To expound further, the following are identified as causes of poverty in America and why the rich-poor gap is widening: (1) Set Policies, Economic Conditions and Demographic Trends. The poverty in America is particularly driven by set policies, economic conditions and demographic trends. These three factors are seriously raised for proper action among local policymakers, in particular and national in general. Changing reform, growing population due to emergence of increasing number of immigrants, changes in poverty, scarcity of resources are trends affecting poverty (Furdell, 2004). These are greatly affecting the quality of life and the economic competitiveness of America in the global arena. (2) Rising Costs and Diminishing Resources. Reality shows that the rising costs of living are inevitable.
As oil prices go up, and resources become used up, the prices of commodities and even the basic necessities such as food, shelter, medicine and education go up as well. The lack of housing facilities and the increase in price for housing are also a contributing factor to poverty. Infrastructure costs become higher and unaffordable to the less fortunate American individuals and families. Although there is an option to rent a house, not all can afford to pay the price for doing so. (3) Increasing cost of Health Care.
Because of increasing costs in healthcare, large companies or employers reduce their costs on health benefits for their employees. Smaller companies or employers tend to give minimal or no health benefits at all to their employees. As a result, more people are prone to sickness or ailment because they could not afford to pay for medicines or avail of healthcare services. (4) Indebtedness to Credit Cards. Increased spending for unnecessary things that are not basic necessities would cause serious indebtedness on the part of the card holder. Frivolous expenditures can cause the poor to be more indebted to the lender thus decrease his capacity to spend money for the necessary and basic needs of his family. (5) Hunger and Malnutrition. Malnutrition (also called under nutrition) is a condition of reduced health due to a chronic shortage of calories and nutriments.
There is little or no evidence of poverty-induced malnutrition in the United States (Rector, 2004). Poverty happens when Americans experience hunger due to lack pf money to buy food. What is being done regarding this problem? Todays time is challenging the people of America, be they individual private citizens or public officials to offer time or their resources to alleviate poverty in the long run. Policymakers in the legislative department must be keen enough to decipher what they can do to solve the problem at the right time. The poor, on the other hand, must be empowered to express their rights, their positions in life and understanding of what they can do.
This change can take place by having an in-depth education, community empowerment, job training, and social intervention among each other. Reducing poverty in America will be of great interest to policymakers, scholars, and students in the fields of sociology, social work, race and ethnic studies, education, psychology, public policy, political science, and family and cultural studies (Darby, 2005). Indeed, the government must have overlooked the need to solve the problems of the poor but it must not assume all the blame for causing it to aggravate each year. There are equal opportunities for everyone to contribute its share of innovative and creative ideas, talents and skills, and even educational background and expertise to alleviate the living condition of the poor.
The community of people who are willing to use their services for the interest of all is a noble contribution for the good of society. Poverty must be viewed as an opportunity to work together, to pull each other strengths and full potentials and finally be one in the service of the poor for the betterment of their condition and the society as a whole. WORKS CITED Darby, Michael. (2005). Reducing Poverty In America. Sage Publication.
Retrieved on 24 October 2005 web Furdell, Phyllis. (2004) Trends, Policies and Economic Conditions Affecting Poverty in Americas Cities and Towns: A Discussion Paper. National League of Cities. Retrieved on 24 October 2005 from web Rector, Robert R. (January 5, 2004) Understanding Poverty in America. The Heritage Foundation: Policy Research and Analysis. Retrieved on 24 October 2005 from web The Other Planet. (August 30, 2004) Global Agenda: Economist. com Retrieved on 24 October 2005 from web Yglesias, Matthew. (March 5, 2005) "Protecting" Poor People From Poverty Reduction.
Retrieved on 24 October 2005 from web Yglesias, Matthew (March 2005) Another Shipping Thought. Matthew Yglesias: A Reality-based weblog. Retrieved on 24 October 2005 from web
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Research essay sample on Rich And Poor In 21st Century America
