By Avery Matney
Income inequality is a problem that has gotten worse over the years that people are not aware of. Research found that children who grew up in families that were on the poverty line had an 8 to 10 percent below a normal development. Money does not technically result in a better outcome, but it does make a difference when it comes to the quality of learning and college. A recent report from the National Center for Education Statistics stated that 51 percent of students in public schools in the United States were from low-income families. Students in this environment are more prone to stressors such as unsafe neighborhoods, stressed out home life, and not a lot of access to healthy foods. I also found from research that this problem can lead to poorer language by the age of three, later behavior problems, anxiety and depression, and impaired cognitive development by the age of three. Link to website used: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/poverty-disturbs-children-s-brain-development-and-academic-performance/#
Poverty can be a problem for younger children but also is a huge problem when it comes to high school. There is a huge rate of high school dropouts. There is a program called Gateway to College, located in Portland, Oregon which gives students an idea of what college would be like. This program gives students a chance at school again. I think this is something that should be consider to my local community. Everyone should get a chance to apply their knowledge, especially when it comes to college and someone’s future. Link to website used: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5300726
Social and emotional development is also a big part that is affected through children. Family poverty is correlated with low self-esteem. In general, it makes it harder for children to develop normal emotions to cope with stressful environments. Impulsiveness, disobedience, and difficulty getting along with peers are signs that are seen. It is important that we act early on to help a child’s development and living situation. Policy makers should understand that income and children’s social environment play a big role in effects of poverty. Neglect is probably the one of the most form of abuse when it comes to effecting children in poverty. Parents can fail to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and medicine. It is so important to focus on poverty but also the families and kids in these situations. Link to website used: https://www.poverties.org/blog/child-poverty
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