1-27-26 Notes 1800's early 1900's

Disease is a significant problem in low-income urban areas.
- Common diseases derive from poor sanitation and public health infrastructure.
- Public health issues exacerbated by communal living conditions, such as shared bathrooms.
Dehydration is a major health risk, often due to loss of fluids in impoverished settings.

Low-income individuals often reside in areas closest to urban centers due to affordability.
- Lack of financial resources prevents long-distance commutes or relocations.
- Example: A person cannot afford train repairs, affecting mobility.
Urban environments are densely populated, leading to crowded and poor living conditions.
- Contrast between urban living for the wealthy vs. the poor.
- Wealthy individuals tend to live in suburban areas with more space and amenities.
Urbanization: Factories, tenant buildings, and shopping areas contribute to poor living conditions.

Societal belief that poverty stems from laziness or lack of ambition.
- Example: Historical figures like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie demonstrate success is possible through hard work.
There is an underlying assumption that if wealthy individuals can succeed, so can the poor.
- This leads to the belief that poor people simply need to work harder.
Athletes like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady serve as analogies to explain privilege and ability in achieving success.
- Those who excel may not grasp the various challenges others face.

The narrative regarding poverty is shifting as people begin to recognize systemic barriers.
- Understanding that mental health issues and environmental factors influence success.
Barriers preventing individuals from rising above poverty include:
- Limited access to quality education.
- Work commitments that impede educational opportunities.
- Inability to afford schooling due to economic constraints.
The realization that poverty is not solely a character flaw but often rooted in systemic issues.

Political machines emerged as a response to the growing and complex needs of cities.
- Local governments were principally managed by political machines during the 19th century.
- Initially, many cities lacked organized municipal governance.
With the expanded needs like sanitation, police, and fire departments, democratic elections began to emerge.
Critique of political machines:
- Generally composed of wealthy individuals who could afford to serve unpaid public offices.
- Policies disproportionately benefitted the wealthy, overlooking the needs of the working class.

Significant Irish immigrant populations in urban settings began to gain political power.
- Elected individuals from the community to office positions.
- Utilized political influence to advocate for their community's needs.
Example: Mayors elected from the Irish community prioritized improvements for their constituents.
- The concept of mutual aid within communities led to better resource allocation.

Graft: The practice where public officials receive unauthorized benefits for providing business contracts.
- Example scenario illustrating bid rigging, where a service contract is manipulated to benefit corrupt officials.
While graft is conductively corrupt, it also allowed for necessary public works and services.
- Political machines such as Town Hall effectively delivered infrastructure despite corruption.
Public perception of corruption varies; while some see it as a failure of democracy, others view it as necessary for community development.

Society is grappling with the understanding of poverty and its causes beyond individual laziness.
Recognition of systemic oppression, lack of opportunities, and the role of community support is pivotal.
The discussion revolves around how to create fair opportunities and alleviate poverty through structural changes.