In This Discussion, We Will Take A Social Scientist's Lens

In This Discussion We Will Take A Social Scientists Lens To Look At

In this discussion, we will take a social scientist’s lens to look at poverty in the U.S. and the world. You will conduct research into poverty statistics in the U.S. and other countries. First, research the latest data on poverty by reviewing information at Income and Poverty in the United States: 2014 - census.gov. Also review the information from the World Bank, specifically World Bank Overview and World Bank, Countries. Locate the poverty statistics on one of the following countries from the World Bank Countries Poverty and Equity Data area: Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, Jamaica, China, El Salvador.

Next, drawing from this information as well as two additional academic resources from Excelsior Library, answer the following questions. Be sure to indicate the dates of the information you are discussing. Try to locate the most up-to-date statistics. What disparities did you note when first looking at the charts? What fact did you find that was most disturbing to you and why?

What information is lacking when you review the statistics? Why might it be important in gaining a fuller picture of poverty?

Paper For Above instruction

The persistent issue of poverty remains a subject of significant concern both within the United States and globally. A comprehensive understanding of poverty requires examining recent data to uncover disparities and gaps that hinder effective policy-making and social interventions. This paper explores current poverty statistics from credible sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the World Bank, focusing on a specific country for a detailed case study, and critically analyzes the limitations of available data to provide a nuanced view of global and national poverty issues.

Analysis of Poverty Data in the U.S. and Chosen Country

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2014 income and poverty data offers a vital snapshot of poverty within the country. As of the latest available data (2014), approximately 14.8% of Americans lived below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). While this figure provides a baseline, contemporary data from the U.S. Census indicates that poverty has fluctuated over recent years, especially amid economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. Disparities are evident across demographic lines, with racial minorities experiencing disproportionately higher poverty rates; for instance, the poverty rate among African Americans was approximately 21.2%, compared to around 9.2% among White Americans (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). Such disparities reveal persistent inequality in economic opportunity and access to resources.

Globally, the World Bank provides vital data through its overview and country-specific reports. For this analysis, I selected Bangladesh, which has a notable poverty profile with over 20% of its population living below the national poverty line as reported in the World Bank’s most recent figures (World Bank, 2022). Despite significant progress over the past decades, disparities remain, especially in rural areas where poverty rates can exceed 30%. The data indicates improvements; for example, poverty rates in Bangladesh have declined from 43.9% in 2000 to 20.5% in 2020 (World Bank, 2022). Nevertheless, the rural-urban divide continues to exacerbate inequalities. The most disturbing fact is the persistence of multidimensional poverty that affects access to health, education, and basic services, which is less visible in monetary statistics alone.

Disparities and Disturbing Findings

When examining these statistics, disparities between racial, geographic, and socio-economic groups become prominent. Within the U.S., racial minorities—particularly African Americans and Hispanics—face substantially higher poverty rates. Internationally, rural populations in Bangladesh and similar developing countries are disproportionately affected. The stark contrast between urban and rural poverty levels is particularly disturbing, reflecting structural inequalities. A fact that resonated deeply was in Bangladesh where, despite economic growth, millions still live in multidimensional poverty—lacking health, education, and clean water—which is often overlooked when only monetary measures are considered. This highlights the complexity of poverty beyond income levels alone and underscores the importance of multifaceted approaches to poverty reduction.

Gaps in the Data and Its Implications

Reviewing the available statistics reveals notable gaps, particularly related to multidimensional aspects of poverty. For instance, income-based poverty measures do not fully capture issues such as access to healthcare, education, sanitation, or social exclusion. Such data gaps are critical because they obscure the full extent of poverty’s impact and overlook vulnerable populations that live above the income poverty threshold but still face significant hardship. Incorporating data on social determinants of health, access to services, and quality of life is essential for a comprehensive understanding of poverty. Additionally, longitudinal data tracking individuals over time would provide insights into the persistence or mobility of poverty status, which static statistics often fail to reveal.

Understanding these gaps is vital for designing holistic policies. Without comprehensive data, efforts may inadequately target the root causes of poverty or misallocate resources, leading to limited effectiveness. Multidimensional poverty indices, which include health, education, and living standards, are increasingly recognized as essential tools in capturing the true scope of hardship faced by impoverished populations (Alkire & Foster, 2011). Such data can guide policymakers to develop cross-sectoral interventions that address the various facets of poverty.

Conclusion

In summary, poverty is a complex, multifaceted issue that cannot be fully understood through income measurement alone. Disparities across racial, geographic, and socio-economic lines are stark and persistent, both within the United States and globally. The disturbing reality of multidimensional poverty, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh, underscores the need for comprehensive data collection that goes beyond monetary thresholds. Enhancing our understanding of the full scope of poverty through enriched, multidimensional data is critical for developing effective, equitable interventions aimed at alleviating hardship and promoting social justice worldwide.

References

• Alkire, S., & Foster, J. (2011). Counting and multidimensional poverty measurement. Journal of Public Economics, 95(7-8), 476-487.
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2014). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2014. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2014/demo/p60-250.html
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2019). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2019. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2020/demo/p60-270.html
• World Bank. (2022). Bangladesh Overview. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/bangladesh/overview
• World Bank. (2022). Bangladesh Poverty & Equity Data. https://data.worldbank.org/country/bangladesh
• Ravallion, M. (2016). The Economics of Poverty: History, Measurement, and Policy. Oxford University Press.
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press.
• Hulme, D., & Moore, K. (2009). Poverty Dynamics: Some Foundations for Policy and Research. Journal of International Development, 21(1), 21-42.
• Grosh, M. E., & Glewwe, P. (2000). Designing Household Survey Instruments for Developing Countries: Lessons from 15 Years of Experience. World Bank Publications.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (2011). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Harvard University Press.