A recent article at thespectrum.com explored the dynamics of poverty. I include an excerpt:
Typically identified by income level, now poverty can stake claim to people’s quality of life, which is spiraling downward. More hours at the daily grind means there is less time for family, decreased opportunities to vacation and attend or participate in cultural arts, sports or other leisure activities. Reaping the benefits of a bigger paycheck has come at the expense of people’s rest and relaxation.
Less opportunity for a mental, physical and emotional break from occupational duties has impoverished the American worker from a state of health and well-being. Obesity rates are the highest ever in U.S. history. Studies show an increase in stroke and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, depression is on the rise and drains more than $83 billion annually from the American economy, affects 19 million Americans, and results in thousands of preventable suicides, according to a 2006 report by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
I agree with the article’s sentiment that poverty requires a more dynamic approach than simply measuring income levels. The concept of poverty refers to qualitative state, and thus quantitative measurements fail to show the true levels of poverty.
The government’s gross underestimations of poverty demonstrate the problem with quantitative measurements. The United States government sets the poverty line for a family of four at only $5,000 per person. How can person in the United States live unpoorly with only $5,000 a year? That translates to less than $450 per month, less than $14 per day. Who could make a monthly budget for $450 that could pay for food, clothes, shelter (including utilities), healthcare, education, transportation, and everything else required to live self-sufficiently and get to work? Most people can’t even afford rent and utilities with that. It would be hard enough to buy food alone on $13 dollars per day!