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A Problem That Relates To Poverty and Inequality
The Problem
Low literacy levels in the U.S is a problem that relates to poverty and inequality. Significant performance gaps exist between children of the highest and lowest social, economic status due to the economic inequalities. Children raised in poverty have a rescued readiness fir school because it leads to poor motor skills, ability to concentrate, and curiosity and motivation (Volk). As a result, the children feel alienated from society, suffer insecurities, and endure powerlessness, increasing their risks of dropping out of school.
The Population It Affects
Despite the many years of fighting discrimination, prejudices, racism, and biases, members of ethnic, racial minorities such as African Americans are primarily affected by the literacy crisis. Research claims that 1 in 5 African Americans drops out of high school. Majority of these people that drop out are from low-income families with parents who lack skills and education to improve their economic status.
Why the Issue Is Problematic
The issue is problematic because it maintains a cycle of low education affecting each new generation. When children of low-income families drop out of school, there are likely to have lowered economic prospects later in life. As a result, they might also struggle in paying for their children’s education which implies that their children might also have low educational achievements.
Causes and Consequences of the Issue
Low literacy is caused by poverty and lack of learning materials, and it results in homelessness and insufficient health insurance. Children of low-income families are, at times unable to complete their education because they are required to work to support their families. They might also not afford learning materials like books and uniform. Low levels of knowledge often result in adverse consequences because people of low education often have low skill levels and so they are paid low salaries. As a result, they might not afford health insurance and rent.
Work Cited
Volk, Dinah. “Constructing literacy spaces in low-income homes and communities.” Urban Education, 2017. doi: 10.1177/0042085916677348.