Work Support Programs Reduce Poverty

Please read the following article about Work Support Programs

Work Support Programs

This article explains the correlation between work and a person's economic status. By creating programs that promote the security of people's job, the chances are that there would be fewer low wages. If people have enough money to provide for their basic needs, mainly food, poverty would be reduced.

Although many people complain about having to pay taxes with their hard-earned money, these taxes are what help support numerous families living in poverty around the world. If people earn enough money to support themselves, pay their mortgage, rent, and have money left over so that they can eat. An organization called Bread for the World supports the protection of tax credits that help low income families to have food on their plates. It is great to see that programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit work to protect the needs of other groups in society that many view as helpless. 

 By using taxes to support those living in poverty, not only does the poverty rate go down, but the child hunger becomes less prevalent. This article identifies the undeniable correlation between poverty and hunger. Lower income means less food.

Poverty in American History

The following video is about Shays' Rebellion, an effect of America's debt after the Revolutionary War.

Poverty is not just something that affects the people living in it.
In this video, it is evident that poverty has played a significant role in the way that history plays out. Shays' Rebellion is a perfect example of a widespread popular revolution. England refused the buy American goods, resulting in lack of trade revenue for Bostonian merchants. Farmers were so oppressed by the taxes imposed upon them that they would have to sell their farms. Those who were incapable of paying off their debt were thrown into debtor's prisons. Their wives were unable to sustain their family without work, they had to care for their children. They were helpless. This was the last straw.

 With so many people living in poverty, a numerous amount of poor farmers living in Massachusetts worked together to continue in the revolutionary spirit and rebel against their government once again. It almost seems like a repetition of the causes that led to the Revolutionary War in the first place, does it not?

Poverty influenced the outcome of historic events back in 1786 and does so even today. Many of the people who got laid off from their jobs during the recession probably ended up living below the poverty line. The protesters in the Occupy Wall Street movement definitely had concerns about financial services and economic issues.

If there is support, or strength in numbers, people will develop "groupthink" and fight for a cause they deeply care about, regardless of alternatives.

Agriculture Overcoming Poverty

Agriculture Opens New Doors for Young Jamaicans

The previous article describes a program started by the Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that involves teaching young Jamaicans methods in order to cultivate their own food. By doing this, young Jamaicans learn valuable skills that allow them to overcome the perils of hunger. Without having to worry about when their next meal will come, Jamaican teenagers can focus on their careers, typically involving agriculture.

After reading this article, I was reminiscent of what was discussed in class pertaining to the Agricultural Revolution. I think that it is outstanding how something that has happened numerous times throughout history can still occur in this modern era. Although most present-day societies are postindustrial societies, certain areas in countries like Jamaica are still in an agricultural revolution "stage." The UNDP is not only helping Jamaican teens struggling to succeed, but also fueling a modern-day agricultural revolution.

As a result, more jobs will come out of this new advance, and, perhaps, steer much of Jamaican society into a more technologically-advanced generation.

Difficulties of Poverty Around the World

The following link will take you to a website filled with statistics about poverty. One of the first things you will see is a map.

World Poverty

Now, when I found this website, at first glance I thought that the map would probably be about countries and their percentage of people living in poverty. But when I took a closer look, I realized that this website was actually counting the number of deaths per HOUR due to poverty. It was horrifying to actually see the pictures of people who died pretty much every second all around the world. This website does not just place people into categories, it turns statistics into a more personal level by letting the audience see the individual faces.

It was an eye-opener to see that poverty causes so much harm, from people dying of hunger, to those dying of pneumonia. This definitely brings to light Herbert Spencer's idea of  "survival of the fittest." It is so primitive in a way to admit that that is true, but it is something that is currently happening in the world, many people die if they are unable to provide for themselves.

As I continued to explore this website, I clicked on International Aid. I was shocked that one of the the few countries that do not have a set schedule to reach an International Aid goal is the United States. Despite that fact, I think it's great to see that European countries are making a difference in the world.