Submit A 1-Page Paper Reflecting On Your Previous Understand

Submit A 1 Page Paper Reflecting On Your Previous Understanding Or Mi

Submit a 1-page paper reflecting on your previous understanding (or misunderstanding) of the working poor and what you have learned so far in the course. Read the following articles: Introduction to The Working Poor, by David Shipler. “What Do We Think Poverty Looks Like" by Tracie McMillan, The New York Times, July 8, 2017. “Understanding Poverty and Its Various Types” by Ashley Crossman, ThoughtCo, July 18, 2019. “Equal Opportunity, Our National Myth” by Joseph Stiglitz, The New York Times, February 16, 2013. “Poverty in America is Mainstream" by Mark R. Rank, The New York Times, November 2, 2013. Profile of the Working Poor Who Are the Working Poor?

Paper For Above instruction

My previous understanding of the working poor was somewhat simplistic, often viewing them as individuals who simply lacked motivation or failed to work hard enough to escape their economic circumstances. I believed that employment, even if low-wage and insecure, was essentially a pathway out of poverty, and that social safety nets should primarily serve as temporary support rather than addressing systemic issues. However, through the readings and coursework, I have gained a more nuanced perspective on the complexities faced by the working poor in America.

The article by David Shipler, "Introduction to The Working Poor," offers a compelling exploration of the structural barriers that trap many workers in cycles of poverty despite their diligent employment efforts. It demonstrates that consistent work does not necessarily equate to financial stability, especially when wages are insufficient to cover basic needs (Shipler, 2004). This challenged my initial assumption that employment alone is a reliable route out of poverty, highlighting instead that systemic issues such as minimum wages that do not keep pace with living costs and lack of benefits exacerbate economic vulnerability.

Tracie McMillan’s article “What Do We Think Poverty Looks Like" emphasizes societal stereotypes about poverty and the misconceptions that often influence public opinion and policy (McMillan, 2017). Her insights made me realize that public perceptions are often shaped by media and cultural narratives, which overlook the diversity and complexity of poor populations. Many working poor individuals are invisible in these narratives because they are employed but still struggle to make ends meet, a reality that defies stereotypical images of poverty as solely caused by personal failings.

Ashley Crossman’s exploration of "Understanding Poverty and Its Various Types" elaborates on the different dimensions of poverty—absolute, relative, and situational—and emphasizes that poverty is not a singular experience but varies based on context, location, and personal circumstances (Crossman, 2019). This broadened my understanding that policy responses should be tailored to address specific types of poverty rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Joseph Stiglitz’s article “Equal Opportunity, Our National Myth” critically examines the idea of equal opportunity in America, arguing that systemic inequalities undermine this ideal by creating barriers that disproportionately affect the working poor (Stiglitz, 2013). This analysis helped me understand that structural factors such as unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are embedded within the fabric of society, making upward mobility difficult for many.

Finally, Mark R. Rank's article “Poverty in America is Mainstream” suggests that poverty is a widespread and normal part of American society but is often hidden from mainstream awareness (Rank, 2013). This insight made me realize how societal denial and political apathy contribute to the persistence of poverty, despite the high number of people affected.

Overall, my understanding of the working poor has shifted from a simplistic view of individual failure to an appreciation of systemic issues—including economic, social, and policy failures—that sustain poverty. I now recognize that addressing the plight of the working poor requires structural reforms, such as living wages, accessible healthcare, and equitable educational opportunities, alongside social safety nets. This broader perspective underscores the importance of comprehensive policy approaches that address root causes rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

References

• Crossman, A. (2019). Understanding poverty and its various types. ThoughtCo. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com
• McMillan, T. (2017). What do we think poverty looks like. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com
• Rank, M. R. (2013). Poverty in America is mainstream. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com
• Shipler, D. (2004). Introduction to The Working Poor. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.
• Stiglitz, J. (2013). Equal opportunity, our national myth. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com