The Other America Poverty in the 1950’s

Defining Poverty Most define poverty as a lack of means-money, goods, etc  Depends where and when you live  Pauperism-dependency on public assistance Growing understanding that poor can and do work- working poor

The working poor maintain jobs, but live below the poverty line.  Minimum amount of income one would need to meet basic needs.  From , line was held at $2,000 for families of all sizes.  Current- $14,000 for two, $22,000 for four

1950’s poor In the 1950s, 1 in every 4 Americans lived below the poverty line What hid this startling fact?  Urban movement toward suburbs  Age, most over 65 or under 18  hold no political power

Where were the poor Cities  As middle class moved out, poor moved in.  Housing Act of decent home for every American Urban renewal- knock out slums and build high-rise apartments, etc. Backfire- homes destroyed in process of renewal, overcrowding leads to city “projects” becoming new slums

Rural issues Agribusiness  Industry of food production by large corporations or wealthy individuals. Appalachia  Farming not an option on steep terrain  Mining decline causes severe poverty

Native Americans Termination policy  Ended federal aid to Native American tribes Move to cities as Voluntary Relocation Program  30% move to urban areas, struggle to adapt