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Despite assumed prosperity, 1 in 5 Americans live below the poverty line, facing challenges like declining inner cities, racial disparities, and juvenile delinquency. Explore the overlooked struggles of single mothers, elderly, minorities, and rural residents amidst urban renewal and societal changes.
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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
