Poverty in America: What Is to Be Done? – Final Research Essay In their book $2 a Day, authors Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer examine the lives of ordinary Americans struggling to survive on barely any money at all in the richest nation in the world. These narratives reveal the truth that few wealthier Americans are aware of – the reality of the dire conditions that govern the every day existence of the poorest citizens in a rich nation that prides itself its equality and fairness. In a 5-7 page research essay in MLA style (proper parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page), discuss Edin and Shaefer’s ideas regarding the causes and possible solutions to the current crisis of poverty in America. Make sure to summarize their main points about the issue. Some other questions to consider in your discussion are: what exactly is poverty (how would you define it) and what are its causes in America; is poverty a question of the undeserving poor or the undeserving rich? Are individuals responsible for their poverty, or are our social system and institutions at fault for the fact some people have wealth while others can barely survive? What can be done to end poverty or is imagining the end of poverty just an impossible pipe dream that can never be achieved? For evidence, use the book, secondary sources and your personal experience to support your views. To pass this essay you must cite from the following 5 minimum required sources (you may use more sources as long as I approve them first): $2 a Day Two database articles from the library on poverty Information from a relevant government website about poverty (.gov) A credible source of your choice that I approve.
