Week 7 - Material review: "Confronting Poverty: Facts & Myths"

what is the myth about poverty and most Americans? (M1)

That poverty only affects a small minority and that most Americans will never experience it.

What does research show about Americans’ likelihood of experiencing poverty? (M1)

Nearly 60% of Americans will experience poverty at least once between ages 20–75; 75% will experience poverty or near poverty.

How many Americans will rely on public assistance at some point? (M1)

A majority of Americans will use at least one welfare or social safety net program during adulthood.

What factors often push people into poverty? (M1)

Job loss, family breakup, health emergencies — events that can cause financial instability over time.

What is the key takeaway? (M1)

Poverty is not an issue of “them” — it’s an issue of “us.” Most Americans will experience poverty directly.

what is myth 1?

Most Americans Will Never Experience Poverty

What image does the media often portray about poverty in America? (M2)

That it’s concentrated in inner-city neighborhoods among racial minorities.

What percentage of poor Americans actually live in high-poverty inner-city neighborhoods? (M2)

Only about 10% of poor Americans live in high-poverty areas (where 40%+ of residents are poor).

Where do most poor Americans live? (M2)

Across cities, suburbs, and rural areas—poverty is widespread but often invisible.

Why is the myth of “inner-city poverty” harmful? (M2)

It promotes the idea that poverty is a problem of “them” rather than “us.” It ignores how poverty affects all communities.

what is myth 2?

the Poor Live Mainly in Impoverished Inner Cities

What ideal supports this myth? (M3)

The American Dream—the belief that anyone can succeed through hard work and talent.

What does research show about opportunity in America? (M3)

The playing field is not level—economic success is strongly influenced by parents’ wealth, neighborhood, and education quality.

How does the Monopoly analogy explain inequality? (M3)

Players start with vastly different resources (e.g., $5,000 vs. $250). Those with more resources can take more risks and accumulate more wealth over time.

What is the key lesson of the Monopoly analogy? (M3)

Americans don’t start at the same place; advantages and disadvantages compound across generations.

what is myth 3?

The Playing Field Is Level

Compared to other wealthy nations, how does U.S. poverty measure up? (M4)

The U.S. has higher and deeper poverty than most developed nations.

What is the U.S. overall poverty rate compared to the OECD average? (M4)

U.S. rate: 17.8% vs. OECD average: 10.7%.

What is the U.S. child poverty rate compared to other nations? (M4)

U.S.: 20.9%, the highest among 26 OECD countries.

What explains the U.S.’s higher poverty? (M4)

A weaker social safety net and lower wages for low-income workers compared to other developed countries.

What is the key paradox highlighted? (M4)

The U.S. is one of the world’s wealthiest nations but has one of the highest poverty rates among wealthy countries.

what is myth 4?

America’s Poor Aren’t Really Poor Compared to Other Countries

What does this myth suggest? (M5)

That poverty is a permanent feature of society that cannot be eliminated.

What does historical evidence show? (M5)

Poverty can be dramatically reduced—as shown by the War on Poverty (1960s).

How successful was the War on Poverty? (M5)

From 1959 to 1973, U.S. poverty fell from 22.4% to 11.1%; child poverty dropped from 27.3% to 14.4%.

How was elderly poverty reduced? (M5)

Through programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income, cutting elderly poverty from 35% to 9.7%.

What’s the overall message? (M5)

Poverty is not fixed—it can be reduced when there is political will and strong social programs.

What is myth 5?

Poverty Is Inevitable

Who benefits from poverty myths? (M6)

Politicians, the wealthy, and corporations benefit from myths that blame individuals for poverty.

How have politicians used poverty myths? (M6)

• Ronald Reagan: promoted “welfare queen” stereotypes.

• Bill Clinton: promised to “end welfare as we know it,” appealing to conservative voters.

How do myths benefit the wealthy? (M6)

They justify inequality — portraying success as deserved and poverty as personal failure, avoiding calls for redistribution.

How do myths weaken social change? (M6)

They divide low-income groups, weaken unions, and discourage collective action against inequality.

What broader function do poverty myths serve? (M6)

They protect the American Dream narrative — blaming individuals for poverty rather than questioning systemic inequality.

What is the key takeaway? (M6)

Poverty myths sustain inequality by defending the status quo and discouraging structural reform.

what is myth 6?

Poverty Myths Have No Purpose