Date: 12/28/2010
Poverty is nothing new to our ever-changing society. It is something that has been facing many families and, unfortunately, will continue to do so for many future generations to come. There has been an ongoing debate as to whose responsibility poverty really is. Some would believe it lies in the hands of society as a whole, while others refute it is the problem of the people in that social class. For those that believe that society should carry the burden of responsibility, there are many government assistance and non-profit organizations in place to do just this. These organizations, both at the public and private level, are available to aid individuals in need of food, clothing, and shelter. Most individuals would even argue that society is not doing enough for its poverty stricken people. However, even in our bad economic times, most of these programs are still providing for those in need. On the contrary, some would argue that it is the individual’s responsibilities to step up to the plate and help themselves. Many believe that relying on welfare and other forms of assistants keeps the individual from lifting themselves up out of poverty. It is in my opinion that, while poverty may not be a lifestyle of choice, the responsibility ultimately lies in the hands of the individuals themselves, not our society as a whole.
The Essay on Islam Social Responsibility Individual Society Economic
... such voluntary actions, individuals are helping the authorities to eradicate poverty among the masses. This is indeed an individual social responsibility. Through this voluntary ... mobility, participate in economic activities, elect the leader for the society, fulfill individual basic needs, etc, are all guaranteed at birth by ...
It has been shown that children who grow up in households that receive welfare are more likely to continue receiving welfare, as they become adults themselves (Eshleman & Bulcroft, 2006).
These welfare recipients show certain personality traits that can be responsible for keeping them in poverty and on continued public assistance. They have a tendency to blame others for their situation, have a low motivation level, and can suffer from an inferiority complex (Smith, 1989).
A lack of motivation would keep individuals like this from seeking out ways of increasing their level of education or to even seek out employment. There are many jobs available even in this down economy. Positions at fast food chains, convenience stores, and department stores are available as well as those for domestics and laborers. Often times it is said that many welfare recipients collect more on government assistance than they can if they were to work. This can often take away any incentive for an individual to work at all (Eshleman & Bulcroft, 2006).
It can be agreed upon that many of the jobs the poor are qualified for are not high in pay. However, perhaps the solution to this is that these individuals take on more than one job. In the past many parents took on two or three jobs to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. They may have worked many hours but they were earning their way and motivating their children by setting an example of what can be achieved through work and persistence. If the parents that were on welfare today were to work multiple jobs to earn a living it would not only motivate their children but it would also increase the income of the household. This in turn could significantly increase the achievements and the abilities of their children (Eshleman & Bulcroft, 2006).
According to Oscar Lewis, with poverty come several characteristics of individuals. Some of these are that the poor start having sex at an early age and that there is a high incidence of abandonment of wives and children. He further states that these characteristics make escaping from poverty that much more difficult, hence they will remain poor (Lewis, 1965).
I believe it is up to the parents in these poor households to find the motivation to move their families out of poverty by relying less on public assistance and more on longer work hours and multiple jobs if need be. This increased income and lesson in motivation and hard work may be the ticket these poor children need to keep them from expressing the characteristics of poverty that Lewis talks about. These parents ultimately have the power to change the future for their children. The benefits may take a generation or so to show but they will, in my opinion, eventually help to break the cycle of poverty.
The Term Paper on Effects of Poverty on Children
The nation’s economic crisis has deeply affected the lives of millions of Americans. Skyrocketing foreclosures and job layoffs have pulled the rug out from under many families, particularly those living in low-income communities. Deepening poverty is inextricably linked with rising levels of homelessness and food insecurity/hunger for many Americans and children are particularly affected by these ...
Eshleman, Ross J. & Bulcroft, Richard A. (2006).
The Family (11th ed).
Boston, MA: Pearson.
Smith, K. (1989).
Rags, riches, and bootstraps: Beliefs about the causes of wealth and poverty. The Sociological Quarterly, 30.
Lewis, Oscar. (1965).
La Vida: A Puerto Rican Family in the Culture of Poverty. New York, NY: Random House.
