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The Impact of Poverty on Life Chances

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Submitted By FRSUMA
Words 3212
Pages 13
Abstract
This research paper describes how poverty influences the lives of children and adolescents.
Poverty is viewed as major environmental influence that impacts the opportunities and life chances of children. Young people growing up in poverty may feel justified in engaging in risky behaviors. The research shows how poverty has an effect on parenting, housing, food, health, mental well being, and education. Despite government programs that help many, the author of this paper views economic inequality as a major cause of the problems facing poverty and our nation. Poverty has a major influence on the day-to-day lives of children. It also places young people at risk for poor outcomes in life. At Risk Youth (McWhirter, McWhirter, McWhirter, & McWhirter, 2013, p. 29-39) discusses the economic trend of poverty as one of the major environmental influences placing young people at risk. When one understands the problems of poverty, one begins to understand the people affected much better. McWhirter et al., (2013) presents several “types” of families that may live in poverty. These include the working poor families, vulnerable and underserved families, young single mother families, and homeless families. One interesting concept that the book discusses is social comparisons. Today poor people are faced with constant reminders of their lack of money. By watching television shows that popularize the lives of “the rich and famous” and by seeing the income earned by athletes and stars, we create groups of people suffering envy. Envy can cause anger which is also associated with unhappiness, depression, and low self-esteem. A young person living in poverty can feel justified by engaging in risky sex, using drugs, stop caring about school, and turning to gangs and violence. The concept of social comparisons combined with our widening income gap helps me

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