I am so blessed not to have experienced what Jo Goodwin Parker went though. As I read her definition on poverty, I could see the devastating effects that this had on her and her children. Three affects that Jo Parker endured during these hard times were neglected heath issues, malnutrition, and no luxuries. First of all, they had neglected heath issues that most would consider minor, such as, red and cracked hands from not having any hand lotion. She once saved her money for two months to purchase Vaseline for her dry hands.
The welfare program described in the movie said that the poor could only receive government assistance if they moved into government workhouses. The young orphans who were residents of those workhouses were treated badly and whose rights were severely reduced by a many regulations. The orphanages operated on the attitude that poverty was the consequence of laziness, and that the poor conditions would encourage the boys to better their own circumstances. But like many single-mothers in the welfare reform, the orphanages in “Oliver Twist” were provided with no means for self-betterment. In effect, every boy but Oliver was unable to rise from the poverty they were living
Most working mothers only work either a part-time year round job, or a seasonal job so that they can be at home when their children are off school for summer breaks and holiday breaks. Employers also penalize mothers who have to take time off from work that does not fit in the criteria for maternity leave. While they can not affect a woman’s wages during a leave from work, they can find other ways to penalize the woman. give what is considered the “crappy” jobs to a woman who has to take time off for her family. Possible factors contributing to the price
Particularly vulnerable groups were the old, who had no means of acquiring money. The young, were dependant on their parents’ financial status and good will, if they were not orphans. Seasonal workers were vulnerable due to the cyclical nature of their employment. Anyone who suffered from illness either long or short term fell into poverty because there were no sickness benefits. Women were another vulnerable group because they were always paid at a lower rate than men.
It’s irrational of them to keep all of the staff when over half of the institutions populations were released just so that they can keep their jobs. I believe this is why America is in so much debt that because of greedy people not helping children and just thinking about themselves has gotten America to were they are now. Yes They have put in place new laws and reforms to help children but how much is it really helping them and how much are we not
Barbara was able to maintain herself economically. She tried to spend less so that she will have enough money for her house rent, gas and food. She bought no clothing except for the required slacks. She made the decision to move close to where she works due to the amount spent on gas daily. “in a month, I earned approximately $1040 and spent $517 on food, gas, toiletries, laundry, phone, and utilities”( 75 reading across the curriculum, pages 395-426, paragraph 65).
The welfare system in the United States needs to change. Perhaps the reason that so many people get and stay on welfare is that it is the best thing economically for them and their family, but welfare is being abused because the rules are so lax. While it does help some people who cannot work for true medical reasons, others who are not in need take advantage it. The welfare system has made people dishonest and lazy, robbed people of motivation, and encouraged carelessness in a lot of individuals. In the United States, welfare recipients can receive welfare their whole lives by cheating the system, whereas individuals who have worked their whole life and get laid off receive unemployment for only one year.
Hopes for using the family as the primary institution for child welfare has faded in the absence of economic and social supports to keep families intact. Lacking such supports, most families were reliant on the labor market to generate income to meet essential needs. Although some of the benefits of unprecedented prosperity and low unemployment began to trickle down to poor families by the end of the twentieth century, many welfare and working poor families continued to struggle. The 1996 imposition of welfare time limits cast a long shadow over poor families. In the absence of a coherent national family policy, poor families were less able to care for children; as a result, child welfare services protective services, foster care, and adoption have attempted to compensate for severe family deficits.
Meanwhile some food service workers are claiming $12.85 an hour is not enough to raise a family on or even live in Pittsburgh. Such as Christoria Hughes, a food service worker who has been working at UPMC for the last 6 years, she claims the $12.85 sounds good but on paper its under $350 a week. Mr. Peaslee said his employees are being paid fairly and are receiving great benefits with plenty of career opportunities. Referring to the tuition assistance plan, pension and 401(k) match. However as good as all of that sounds, once again do not judge a book by its’ cover.
She explains the struggle of only having little food there because it was the ones her parents brought her during the weekends but she had to save it in order for it to last. When she finally gets back from the 45 day camp stay, her father has made up his mind up his mind and wants him and his family to leave