What is poverty in the United States today?
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2011/07/what-is-poverty ]In recent years, the Census has reported that one in seven Americans are poor. But what does it mean to be “poor” in America?
- The typical “poor” household in America has a car
- 78% of “poor” households in America have air conditioning
- 64% of “poor” households in America have cable or satellite TV .. most have two TVs, along with a DVD player and VCR
- Most “poor” households in America with children have a gaming system such as an Xbox or PlayStation
- 38% of “poor” households in America have a personal computer
- Most “poor” households in America have a refrigerator, an oven and stove, and a microwave. They also have other household appliances such as a clothes washer, clothes dryer, ceiling fans, a cordless phone, and a coffee maker.
- The typical “poor” American has more living space than the average European.
- The typical “poor” American family is able to obtain medical care when needed.
- The average “poor” household in America claims to have sufficient funds to meet all essential needs.
Discussion