USH 16:3 Poverty Amidst Prosperity

• 1 in 5 Americans (30 million) below poverty line– Figure that reflects minimum income required to support a

family

• Most Americans assumed prosperity was everywhere• Those left out:– Single mothers– Elderly– Minorities– Rural residents – Inner city residents

16:3 Decline of the Inner City

• Middle Class moves to suburbs– Take taxable income with them– Cities have much less money

• Poor and less-educated stay in cities • Government attempts to help– “urban renewal”• Tear down old buildings, build new high-rises• Many became violent and over-crowded• Program ultimately failed

16:3 African-Americans

• Most stayed in cities• Income was usually ½ of what Whites earned• “A Raisin in the Sun”– Broadway play• Lorraine Hansberry

– Struggles against racism and poverty

16:3 Native Americans

• Less than one percent of American population• Poorest ethnic group in the country • Termination Policy– Native Americans now under same laws and

jurisdiction as all other Americans – Encouraged a blending in to society

16:3 Appalachia

• Mountainous region from NY to Georgia• Mechanization of coal mining– Most lost jobs

• Few doctors• Worse schools than inner city slums

16:3 Juvenile Delinquency

• Anti-social or criminal behavior of young people• 1948-1953: 45% rise in juvenile crime rates• Some explanations– T.V. and movies– Rising divorce rate– Kids rebelling against conformity of parents – Parents not disciplining kids