America’s poverty rate is now at its highest level in two generations. Contrary to the American Dream of broad-based upward mobility, the United States ranks 10th out 12 OECD countries in social mobility. In addition, our country has the highest proportion of low-wage workers of any developed country — people who work hard but earn less than $10.50 an hour and are barely able to make ends meet.
interesting article...
ReplyDeleteA few anso classes here at K have taught that the American Dream has been degraded due to many social institutions oppressing the poor. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI havent taken much Anso, sorry Alex! The thing I found most interesting in this article was the paragraph that states, "Oxfam believes poverty is about power, not scarcity." It then goes on to talk about inequalities and the resulting social exclusion. On one hand I think there could be better action taken to "bridge the gap" between social extremes, but if we cross a certain line it could be seen as socialism, which is definitely not part of the American Dream.
ReplyDeleteInteresting comments....I think the idea of the American Dream evolves over time. After World War two the dream was homeownership. Before that, I think it centered on education. What does it center on now?
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