Poverty & Social Problems
The definition of poverty, according to the United States Census Bureau, varies by family size. An individual living alone who earns $10,991 yearly is at the poverty level. A family of four with two children under the age of 18 is at the poverty level when an income of $21,834 a year. Poverty means that the poor have less access to education, health care and support networks for family stability.
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Disease
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People who are in low-income households are less likely to have health insurance and access to primary health care that will give early diagnosis of disease and prevent the spread of diseases. Tuberculosis and AIDS are some of the health threats to the poor and to societies that do not address the link between poverty and disease. According to an article by Professor P.D.O Davis, Director of the Tuberculosis Research Unit, Cardiothoracic Centre in Liverpool, England, there is a well established connection between poverty and tuberculosis.
Dropping Out Of School
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Children from low-income families are more likely, in reports from the National Center For Education Statistics, to not complete high school. This is detrimental financially because it means less earning power and therefore less money that can be brought into the national economy from people buying goods and services.
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Homelessness
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Poverty can lead to home transiency and homelessness. According to The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, homelessness results from a lack of affordable housing, increases in rents, destruction of low-income housing and cuts in housing programs. Families without reliable shelter cannot easily pursue further education to gain better employment, and do not have consistent health care. They also suffer stress and greater rates of mental illness, family breakup and substance abuse. Dependable and safe housing creates a solid base for families and societies to develop secure and healthy communities.
Mental Illness
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According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, mental illness is both a cause and a result of poverty. People who are mentally ill are challenged in their ability to find employment, shelter, access to health care and further education. Individuals who are poor but not dealing with mental illness can develop psychological difficulties related to coping with their circumstances. Psychological difficulties of individuals in poverty that are not addressed in the community can lead to societies that short-change themselves of productive citizens.
Relationship Problems
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According to Stephanie Coontz, Director of Research and Public Education for the Council on Contemporary Families, divorce is twice as likely for parents who live in poverty. Families that are split apart have less home stability, fewer prospects for education and interrupted health care as well as psychological issues relating to stress and dislocation.
Substance Abuse
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Drug and alcohol abuse is found at all income levels. However, these problems are more devastating for the poor who already live on society's margins. The dangers of substance abuse compound the difficulties of those in poverty. Enforcement of drug and alcohol laws also places a strain on policing and other services. According to a cost-benefit analysis from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, drug and alcohol abuse cost America $343 billion a year. Bringing substance abuse education to people and families in poverty would give obvious cost savings to many communities.
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References
Resources
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