The Effects of Poverty on Children and the Elderly
The Effects of Poverty on Children
Liberty University
Human Services 500-C06
Dr. Sheila Speight
Kathy V. Jones
April 6, 2012
Abstract
Why should it matter that our country has not been able to ensure that every child has a safe and nurturing childhood? The percentage of children living in poverty in the United States has risen significantly in the last few years. The negative long term effects of poverty can extend from birth into adulthood. Research will show that these children and their families are at risk in many ways and that they will face challenges that will ultimately affect how they will function in this society. The stress of poverty upon the family unit causes family dysfunction and inadequate parenting. Physical health, emotional stability, behavioral health, cognitive and academic abilities, and teenage pregnancy are all a result of socioeconomic disparities in this country. There are no easy solutions but childhood poverty must either be reduced or alleviated. This calls for vast improvements in our economic and public policies. High unemployment rates and the lack of jobs for the disadvantaged will continue to increase unless society can begin to better understand the effects of poverty on the children in this country.
The Effects of Poverty on Children
Children raised in poverty face a myriad of problems related to their lack of the most basic needs. The negative long term effects of poverty can lead to significant increases in aggression, depression, and can cause delays in the physical and emotional development of a child. The economic hardships faced by children living under these conditions create an experience that is steeped with familial dysfunction. Many children in this country face many challenges due to the poverty stricken conditions in which they live. The economic changes of the last two decades in the
Liberty University
Human Services 500-C06
Dr. Sheila Speight
Kathy V. Jones
April 6, 2012
Abstract
Why should it matter that our country has not been able to ensure that every child has a safe and nurturing childhood? The percentage of children living in poverty in the United States has risen significantly in the last few years. The negative long term effects of poverty can extend from birth into adulthood. Research will show that these children and their families are at risk in many ways and that they will face challenges that will ultimately affect how they will function in this society. The stress of poverty upon the family unit causes family dysfunction and inadequate parenting. Physical health, emotional stability, behavioral health, cognitive and academic abilities, and teenage pregnancy are all a result of socioeconomic disparities in this country. There are no easy solutions but childhood poverty must either be reduced or alleviated. This calls for vast improvements in our economic and public policies. High unemployment rates and the lack of jobs for the disadvantaged will continue to increase unless society can begin to better understand the effects of poverty on the children in this country.
The Effects of Poverty on Children
Children raised in poverty face a myriad of problems related to their lack of the most basic needs. The negative long term effects of poverty can lead to significant increases in aggression, depression, and can cause delays in the physical and emotional development of a child. The economic hardships faced by children living under these conditions create an experience that is steeped with familial dysfunction. Many children in this country face many challenges due to the poverty stricken conditions in which they live. The economic changes of the last two decades in the
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