Theories of Poverty This assignment involves theories of poverty and the central question of why are the poor poor. 1) Use your own words and cite the sources of the information used to support your statements (including lecture and class discussion) to articulate your view of why the poor are poor. 2) Interview someone who works with the poor to determine their definition of poverty and how it influences program operations. Address the difficulties they encounter in their work and what they think is needed to make a serious difference in reducing problems of poverty. OR Construct a short attitude survey based on myths and stereotypes about poverty and welfare programs. Interview a minimum of six individuals and summarize the general trends seen in the data. 3) Summarize your view (1) and your survey or interview (2) in a 5-7-page paper. Focus on how the survey or interview illuminates one or more of the approaches to defining poverty in the readings, class discussions, and your view. You should discuss at least 2 of the readings. Reading list(pick 2 out of them)： Fiction The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck (check out Google Lit Trips: http://www.googlelittrips.com/GoogleLit/9- 12/Entries/2006/11/1_The_Grapes_of_Wrath_by_John_Steinbeck.html) The Jungle—Upton Sinclair Non-Fiction Isn’t No Makin’ It: Aspirations And Attainment In A Low-income Neighborhood – Jay Macleod Abandoned in the Heartland – Jennifer Hamer The Other America – Michael Harrington Regulating the Lives of Women – Mimi Abramovitz Amazing Grace – Jonathan Kozol There is No Such Thing as a Natural Disaster – Chester Hartman The Missing Poor – Katherine Newman & Victor Tan Chen Sidewalk – Mitchell Duneier The End of Poverty – Jeffrey Sachs Worlds Apart- Cynthia Duncan Econocide- Alice Skirtz Memoirs Angela’s Ashes – Frank McCourt The Glass Castle – Jeannette Walls Nickel and Dimes – Barbara Ehrenreich
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