Author : Kate Randall
Published : 19 August 2011
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/aug2011/pove-a19.shtml
Poverty in America has been a relentless problem throughout society and more children seem to be living in poverty more than ever. Families are skipping meals and children are going to bed hungry. Kate Randall states, "One in five US children lives in poverty...child poverty grew in 38 of 50 states over the past decade" (U.S. Child Poverty Rate Soars to 20%, para. 1). Homelessness tends to be an ongoing trend, passing on from generation to generation. Children growing up in poverty have an increasingly higher rate of continuing the cycle of poverty than those with no exposure to poverty. Lack of access to a nutritious diet, Medicare, housing, and basic needs in school that assist in obtaining an adequate education. These are factors that contribute to developmental problems and disabilities within children, as well as increased stress that can lead to depression, and anxiety. Kate Randall also states "Nearly 8 million children lived with at least one parent who was actively seeking employment but was unemployed in 2010" (U.S. Child Poverty Rate Soars to 20%, para. 2). Therefore, it seems the cycle of poverty is escalating with no end in sight. Assistance to impoverished families such as SNAP food programs and Medicaid are an option, however, states seem to be decreasing the amount of availability due to the country's economic downfall. Families are then left to fend for themselves as the country begins to blame poor individuals for their own adversities, rather than seeking problems within society itself.
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