The Appalachian statistics includes the states of West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee. In these states 13.3 million people are living in poverty according to U.S. Census Bureau. The number of people in the region who did not have health insurance last year fell to 13.6 million from 13.7 million from the year before, and median incomes were up in all Appalachian states, where the median income ranged from a little over 36,000 in Mississippi to 68,080 in Maryland. (Appalachia Statistics, 2008).
Nationally, the homeowner and rental Vacancy rate in 2010 were 2.4% and 9.2%. During the decade, the homeowner vacancy rate is increased 0.7% points, while the rental vacancy rate increased 2.3% points. (U.S. Census Bureau). The 2006 Mayor’s conference found that 51% of people who became homeless the year before were single men, 30% , were single women, 17% were families with children, and 2% wee un-accompanied youth.
As reported in the “State of the South 1998”, the increased number of single parent homes, decreasing educational participation by males, high dropout rate, low numbers of bachelor’s degrees, the aging population and the changing workplace needs while Kentucky has made progress in the elementary and secondary area. Also post- secondary education and adult education/ the state still lags behind with too many under-educated adults. (South, 1998). 2. What does World System Theory contribute to our understanding of Appalachian distinctiveness?
Social cognitive career theory provides a theoretical understanding of how cultural differences, resources, and barriers affect the vocational choices and actions of individuals from minority populations. (Bennett).
By changing circumstances and recognizing career