Social problems

A U.S.-based social problem of interest and then answer the following questions:

Using scholarly citations, describe the social problem you have chosen in a sentence or two.
Based on your research, what population(s) is/are negatively impacted by this social problem?
Provide 2-3 reasons why the problem is thought to exist. (Give examples of different points of view and include your sources).
Statistically, how widespread is the problem in the U.S.?
Is there a federal or state definition that describes the problem?
Name at least 2 stakeholders that have been publically involved in the social problem in some way. Describe their involvement (e.g. the National Rifle Association (NRA) is a stakeholder in the epidemic of gun violence that opposes stricter gun laws).
What does the Bible have to say about the problem (directly or indirectly)? Use scripture(s) to support your response.
Think about some of the competing functions (i.e. personal failure vs. system failure) of the policy discussed in the Segal text (see pages 6-23). Identify at least two examples that you think are relevant to the policy and describe how they are relevant.
Section one should be a page two pages, not more than three. Please use APA 7 formatting. APA formatting will be strictly enforced.

Full Answer Section
  • Statistical data: The poverty rate for African Americans is significantly higher than the poverty rate for the overall population. In 2020, the poverty rate for African Americans was 19.5%, compared to 10.5% for the overall population. This means that one in five African Americans was living below the poverty line in 2020.
  • Federal or state definition: The federal government does not have a specific definition of poverty. However, the Census Bureau uses an income threshold to determine who is considered to be living in poverty. The poverty threshold is updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
  • Stakeholders: There are a number of stakeholders who have been involved in the issue of poverty in the African American community. These stakeholders include:
    • The government: The government has a role to play in addressing poverty. The government can provide programs and services to help people out of poverty, such as welfare, food stamps, and housing assistance.
    • Non-profit organizations: Non-profit organizations also play a role in addressing poverty. These organizations provide a variety of services to people in poverty, such as job training, education, and healthcare.
    • Businesses: Businesses can also play a role in addressing poverty. Businesses can provide jobs and opportunities to people in poverty, and they can also support non-profit organizations that are working to address poverty.
  • Bible: The Bible has a number of passages that speak to the issue of poverty. For example, the book of Deuteronomy (15:11) says, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘Open your hand wide to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’"
  • Competing functions: The competing functions of poverty policy can be seen in the debate over welfare reform. Some people believe that welfare programs create a culture of dependency, while others believe that these programs are necessary to help people out of poverty.
Sample Answer Poverty in the African American community
  • Description: Poverty is defined as the state of being extremely poor. In the United States, the poverty line is an income level below which a family or individual is considered to be living in poverty. The poverty line is updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
  • Populations impacted: The African American community is disproportionately impacted by poverty. According to the United States Census Bureau, the poverty rate for African Americans was 19.5% in 2020, compared to 10.5% for the overall population.
  • Reasons for the problem: There are a number of reasons why poverty is thought to exist in the African American community. These reasons include:
    • History of discrimination: African Americans have a long history of discrimination in the United States, which has limited their access to education, jobs, and housing.
    • Economic inequality: African Americans are more likely to live in low-income neighborhoods, which have fewer resources and opportunities.
    • Social and cultural factors: Some social and cultural factors, such as single-parent households and high rates of incarceration, can also contribute to poverty.