USH 16:3 Poverty Amidst Prosperity

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 16:3 Appalachia • Mountainous region from NY to Georgia • Mechanization of coal mining • Most lost jobs • Few doctors • Worse schools than inner city slums

6. 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