Purchase Solution

Poverty in the United States

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Task:

What is the "poverty line" in the United States?
How would you contrast poverty in the United States to poverty in Asia or Latin America?
Have the poverty rates in the United States increased or decreased over the last decade?
What do you think are the major factors related to people becoming poor or having trouble moving out of poverty?

Support your opinion with research and examples.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

Through research and examples, this solution identifies the "poverty line" in the United States; shows how to contrast poverty in the United States to poverty in Asia or Latin America; and provides statistics to show if the poverty rates in the United States have increased or decreased over the last decade. It also discusses the major factors related to people becoming poor or having trouble moving out of poverty. Supplemented with resources, tables and links on poverty statistics.

Solution Preview

Excellent questions! Let's take a closer look.

1. What is the "poverty line" in the United States? How would you contrast poverty in the United States to poverty in Asia or Latin America?

As defined by the Office of Management and Budget and updated for inflation using the Consumer Price Index, the average poverty threshold for a family of four in 2003 was $18,810; for a family of three, $14,680; for a family of two, $12,015; and for unrelated individuals, $9,393. http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/income_wealth/002484.html

According to the US Census Bureau, the average poverty threshold for a family of four in 2007 was 25,080. http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/histpov/perindex.html
According to the US Census Bureau, 35.9 million people live below the poverty line in America, including 12.9 million children (see attached file).

Developed countries like United States have less poverty than developing countries like Latin America and Asia.

2. Have the poverty rates in the United States ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Sociology: Socialization & Social Groups

A refresher quiz on socialization.

Research Methods for Data Collection

This quiz is designed for students to help them gain a better understanding of the different types of research and when to appropriately use them.