1. Chapter 10 The Haves and Have-Nots The Global Context: Poverty and Economic Inequality around the World Sociological Theories of Economic Inequality and Poverty Problems of Work and Unemployment Strategies for Action: Antipoverty Programs and Policies

2. International Measures of Poverty World Bank: “poverty threshold” of $1 a day to compare poverty in the the developing world. World Health Organization: household is considered poor if it cannot meet 80% of calorie requirements using 80% of its income to buy food

3. Human Poverty Index (HPI) Based on three measures of deprivation: 1. Deprivation of life. 2. Deprivation of knowledge. 3. Deprivation in living standards.

4. U. S. Measures of Poverty Varies by number in family and age of head of household. 1999 U.S. poverty line: 1 person (under age 65) = $8,480 2 people (no children) = $10,915 3 persons (2 adults, 1 child) = $13,120 4 persons (couple with 2 children) = $16,530

5. Global Poverty World Bank estimates that one-quarter of world’s population lives in dire poverty. 1/3 of population in developing countries lives on less than $1 a day. South Asia has most poor people; sub- Saharan Africa has highest proportion of people in poverty.

6. Income Inequality 1999: Combined wealth of the world’s 200 richest people was $1 trillion. Combined incomes of 582 million people in the least developed countries was $146 billion. 2000: Average income of the 20 richest countries was 37 times that of the 20 poorest.

7. Structural-Functionalist Perspective Poverty and economic inequality serve positive functions for society: Low-paid, poor workers are willing to do dirty, dangerous, difficult work others refuse to do Poverty provides work for those in “poverty industry” (e.g. welfare workers). Poor people provide market for inferior goods.

8. Criticisms of Structural- Functionalist Perspective Many important roles (e.g. child care worker) are poorly paid, whereas those in nonessential roles (sports stars) earn high incomes. Ignores the role of inheritance in the distribution of rewards.

9. Conflict Perspective Economic inequality results from bourgeoisie exploiting proletariat. Corporations and the wealthy buy political influence. Free-market reform policies benefit wealthy corporations and investors, but increase poverty.

10. Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Persons who are labeled “poor” are stigmatized as lazy; irresponsible; lacking in motivation, ability, and morals. Wealthy persons are viewed as capable, hard working, motivated, deserving of wealth.

11. Economic Inequality in the U.S. 1979-1999: Income of top 20% of U.S. population grew 26%. Income of the poorest decreased by 9%.

12. Education and Poverty Education% Living in Poverty No high school diploma23.4 High school diploma10.1 Some college6.5% Bachelor’s degree or more 3.0

13. Gender and Poverty Minority women and single mothers have increased risk of poverty. Women are less likely than men to attain higher educational degrees. Women are concentrated in low-paying jobs, and earn less than men who have the same education.

14. Family Structure and Poverty 1999 poverty rate of U.S. married couple families: 4.8% 1999 poverty rate of U.S. female-headed families: 27.8% 1999 poverty rate of male householder: 11.7%

15. Causes of Poverty Among Minorities 1. Past and present discrimination. 2. Loss of manufacturing jobs from inner city. 3. Minorities more likely to live in female-headed households with no spouse.

16. Educational Problems and Poverty Children from poor families score lower on tests of cognitive skill. Poor children often go to inferior schools. Poor parents have fewer resources to provide educational experiences for their children.

17. Housing Problems and Homelessness Many poor people live without heating, air conditioning, sewer, and phones. The poor are more likely to live in high-crime neighborhoods. In U.S., 730,000 men, women, and children are homeless on a given day.

18. Childcare Cost of childcare for a 4-year-old ranges between $4,000 and $6,000 per year. Cost of childcare for a 4-year-old in an urban area is $10,000 or more per year. Nearly 7 million children are left home alone each week.

19. Welfare Myths and Realities Myth: people receiving welfare are lazy. Realities: Single parents do the work of parenting. Many adults on public assistance are employed or looking for work. Some welfare recipients are unable to work because of disabilities.

20. Welfare Myths and Realities Myth: welfare benefits are granted to people who are not eligible to receive them. Reality: At least 12 million people are not receiving food stamps even though they are eligible.

21. Welfare Myths and Realities Myth: most welfare mothers have many children. Reality: Mothers receiving welfare have no more children, on average, than mothers in general population.

22. Welfare Myths and Realities Myth: public assistance to the poor creates an enormous burden on taxpayers. Reality: The U.S. Government spends $60 billion each year on tax subsidies to businesses, significantly more than it spends on welfare benefits.

23. Genetically Modified Organisms Benefits: Have potential to alleviate poverty, hunger and malnutrition. Reduce pesticide use - some are designed to repel insects without pesticides. Less deforestation - designed to grow on soil otherwise unusable.

24. Genetically Modified Organisms Risks: Food allergens. Possible toxicity, antibiotic resistance buildup, and decreased nutritional value. Potential threat to biodiversity posed by the uniformity of GM crops.