PURPOSE: To develop a model to deal with the 34 million people in the U.S. who live below the poverty line. About 75% are people in generational poverty, and the remaining in situational poverty. Among the 25 million in generational poverty it is very likely that they will not only remain in this state for the remainder of their lives, but their children will join them. Those who are “stuck” in poverty, have adopted belief systems to make their life tolerable while living in an affluent society. These strong beliefs unite them. METHODS: A review of the literature shows that there are fifteen basic beliefs; for example, having many children and starting at an early age are good. RESULTS: By the year 2040 it is estimated there will be 55 million people in poverty: 50% Hispanic, 25% black, 25% white. With very high fertility rates among women in poverty, the problem will persist during the next few generations. Government intervention programs mostly deal with the pain that poor people suffer, not the cure. CONCLUSIONS: This model of poverty is a departure from the “standard” model, which proposes that government programs will solve the problem. Rather, this model is based on the fact that there is a belief system that unites people in poverty and keeps them there, regardless of help.
Learning Objectives: understanding why poverty still exists and understanding human behaviors that keep people in poverty.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.