Poverty in America

Situational poverty

• happens to people who usually have a job, but some circumstance places them in poverty.
• Examples: medical bills, job loss, natural disaster, divorce.
• These people usually have more resources than those who live in generational poverty.
• People in situational poverty tend to show an attitude of pride and a refusal to accept charity.

Generational poverty

• is an on-going condition of poverty that extends from parent to child.
• People in generational poverty do not lack in ability or intelligence. They lack in opportunity.
• Education is not valued, because educated people usually leave.
• The poor have so little, people are possessions. Family is all you have.
• People living in generational poverty value a sense of humor, strong personality, and entertainment.
• Individuals fear change. They fear that if they become more educated, they’ll be left out by their group of friends and family.
• Since people matter so much, loyalty to the group or family is a person’s primary responsibility.
• Many individuals don’t know they have a choice to improve.
• No one teaches the children the hidden rules of the middle class.
• No one provides resources for children to achieve a higher social status.
• There is a sense that society owes you a living.
• The thought of “our way is the best way” is a common belief, so there’s a pull for people to stay where they are.

How do some people get out of generational poverty?

What allows them to move up to working or middle class?

• They have a strong goal or vision of what they want to be.
• They obtain more education.
• They have someone sponsor or mentor them.
• They have a specific ability or talent that provides an opportunity.
• They feel the situation is so painful that anything would be better.