Your Poverty Profile: Defining Poverty Globally

In Your Poverty Profile You Defined Poverty On A Global Picture Now

In your poverty profile you defined poverty on a global picture. Now you will be required to focus the discussion to include the causes of poverty specifically as it affects Americans. In this term paper you will need to select ONE issue or topic relating to or that impacts poverty in the United States. Some possible topics include: Is Welfare Reform increasing the number of the working poor? Would increasing the minimum wage help or hurt the working poor? Is the lack of health insurance creating a new category of the poor? Are new laws to criminalize the homeless necessary? Does housing discrimination cause poverty? Is illegitimacy the primary cause of poverty? Are Americans suffering from lack of food? Will promoting marriage help end poverty?

Your paper should be 8 pages long. You MUST include and label the following sections and subsections in your paper:

Summarize the issue. (10 points) (2 pages)

Introduce your topic and present a well documented research-based description of your issue of interest. Give an historical background of the issue you will be discussing. You must include at least 3 important events/dates that relate to your issue. Describe the prevalence and seriousness of the issue. You must include data and statistics that show this is a problem. Discuss the impact of the issue has on families.

Supporters and Critics of the Issue (25 points) (4-5 pages)

Discuss and describe at least TWO “Key Players†who influence and are in support of the issue (i.e., politicians, advocates, or organizations that have an interest in a specific agenda and that actively work to promote policies that address your issue). Identify and briefly describe at least TWO "Key Players" who are in opposition to your issue (i.e., politicians, advocates, or organizations that are critical of your issue). Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the FOUR key players' positions. Are the viewpoints convincing? Include research to support your stance.

Conclusions (10 points) (2 pages)

Discuss current laws that have been passed in regards to the issue. Are these laws helping or worsening the situation? What's the future hold for this issue? What’s your prediction of what will happen in 20 years from now in regards to your issue? What changes or improvements would you recommend for the direction of this issue?

References (5 points)

Provide at least 7 in-text citations from credible sources supporting your discussion, and list all references in APA style with hanging indents. Ensure your paper is double spaced, with 1" margins, and Arial 12-point font. Do not include the title page and reference page in the page count. Use credible scholarly journal articles, reputable web sources, and textbooks. Paraphrase effectively; avoid excessive quoting. Cite sources with (Author, year). For sources without an author, use the first words of the title and year. The reference page should be titled "REFERENCES".

Paper For Above instruction

This paper focuses on the impact of housing discrimination on poverty in the United States, an issue with profound historical roots and continuing relevance. Housing discrimination refers to the unjust treatment of individuals based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status when seeking housing opportunities. It is a critical factor contributing to persistent poverty and inequality in American society. The discussion is divided into a comprehensive overview of the issue, an analysis of key players’ positions, and concluding reflections on policies and future prospects.

Introduction and Historical Background of Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination in the U.S. has a long history dating back to the 20th century. A significant early event was the implementation of the 1934 National Housing Act, which inadvertently perpetuated segregation through the creation of neighborhood maps that favored white neighborhoods (Rothstein, 2017). The 1948 Shelley v. Kraemer Supreme Court decision struck down racially restrictive covenants, yet segregation persisted through discriminatory lending practices. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 later aimed to combat housing discrimination explicitly, but enforcement has been inconsistent (Nelson, 2018). These events mark critical turning points in efforts to address racial bias in housing, yet disparities remain entrenched.

Prevalence and Impact of Housing Discrimination

Data indicates that housing discrimination continues to disadvantage minority groups. According to the National Fair Housing Alliance (2020), minority applicants are significantly more likely to be denied housing or charged higher rents than white counterparts. The Urban Institute (2019) reports that neighborhoods with high levels of housing segregation are associated with lower educational opportunities, poorer health outcomes, and increased poverty rates among residents. These disparities perpetuate cycles of poverty, especially affecting children and families who face barriers to upward mobility caused by discriminatory practices.

Supporters of Addressing Housing Discrimination

Key organizations such as the NAACP and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) actively promote policies combating housing discrimination. The NAACP advocates for stronger enforcement of fair housing laws and increased educational campaigns to raise awareness of discriminatory practices (NAACP, 2021). HUD has implemented programs like the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) to assist victims and facilitate community dialogue (HUD, 2022). These organizations argue that reducing discrimination will promote economic opportunity and integrate communities, fostering social equity.

Opponents and Critics of Current Measures

Critics argue that existing laws and regulations are insufficient or poorly enforced. Some real estate industry stakeholders claim that fair housing laws impose excessive regulatory burdens that limit economic freedom (Miller, 2020). Others suggest that voluntary programs and voluntary compliance are more pragmatic than strict legal enforcement (Gordon & Bornstein, 2019). Certain political groups have also challenged the scope of federal interventions, citing concerns over government overreach and property rights. The strength of their position lies in economic libertarian arguments, but critics contend that systemic discrimination requires stronger legislative action.

Current Laws and Future Perspectives

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 remains the cornerstone of anti-discrimination law in housing, but enforcement gaps persist. Recent proposals, such as expanding fair housing enforcement and increasing penalties for violations, aim to improve effectiveness (U.S. Congress, 2021). However, challenges remain due to local zoning laws, bias, and resource limitations. Looking ahead, integrating fair housing principles into broader urban planning and economic policies is essential. Over the next twenty years, it is plausible that technological advancements and increased awareness could reduce discrimination, but systemic change will require sustained effort. Recommendations include enhancing legal enforcement, promoting integrated urban development, and addressing broader economic inequalities that underpin housing disparities.

References

• Gordon, T., & Bornstein, K. (2019). Tackling housing discrimination: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Urban Affairs, 41(3), 360-377.
• HUD. (2022). Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP). U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/about_fhfunding
• Miller, R. (2020). Real estate industry perspectives on fair housing regulations. Housing Policy Debate, 30(2), 231-245.
• NAACP. (2021). Fair housing and racial justice. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. https://naacp.org/find-resources/fair-housing
• National Fair Housing Alliance. (2020). Fair Housing Trends & Data. NFHA. https://nationalfairhousing.org/trends-data/
• Nelson, L. (2018). The enduring struggle against housing discrimination. Journal of Policy History, 30(4), 684-709.
• Rothstein, R. (2017). The color of law: A forgotten history of how our government segregated America. Liveright Publishing.
• Urban Institute. (2019). Segregation and inequality in American neighborhoods. Urban Institute Report.
• U.S. Congress. (2021). Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2021. Congressional Bills Service.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Fair Housing Act. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/lawsandregulations