Paper Summary:

This research paper analyzes the causes of poverty in the United States. It discusses the factors that affect poverty and then analyzes to what extent poverty is a result of social structure and to what extent it can be ascribed to individual factors. The paper also looks briefly at the future of poverty and the possibility of eventually eradicating poverty from our society.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background and Statement to the Problem
Research Questions for Paper
Rationale
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Literature Review
General Views and Overviews
Alternative Views and Theories
Proposed Methodology
Implications for Research and Practice and Ethical Concerns
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"There is little doubt that poverty is a serious issue that affects modern society and is present in both the developed and developing countries of the world. However, what is less clear and much debated are the causes or the underlying causative factors that lead to or create poverty. There are many different views and theories about this aspect. There is also a central ideological divide about the causes of poverty; which views poverty either as an individual falling or as a consequence of societal structures and forces, creating a situation in which poverty is allowed to exist. This proposed study intends to investigate these causative factors, taking into account the often contradictory and opposing theoretical viewpoints and stances on the subject. The study aims to achieve a certain synthesis of theory and practical documentation and data, which will shed light on the causes of this modern social blight. It is also hoped that this study will contribute to future research with the aim of the eventually eradication of poverty in our society."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bradshaw T. K. ( 2006) Theories of Poverty and Anti-Poverty Programs in Community Development. Retrieved 16 October, 2007, from http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:zrn5ye2QmU8J:www.rprconline.org/WorkingPapers/WP06-05.pdf+theories+of+poverty&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=uk
• Caughy, M. O., & O'Campo, P. J. (2006). Neighborhood Poverty, Social Capital and the Cognitive Development of African American Preschoolers. American Journal of Community Psychology, 37(1-2), 141+. Retrieved October 18, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5019576435
• Curley, A. M. (2005). Theories of Urban Poverty and Implications for Public Housing Policy. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 32(2), 97+. Retrieved October 18, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5011100062
• Curran, L. (2003). The Culture of Race, Class, and Poverty: The Emergence of a Cultural Discourse in Early Cold War Social Work. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 30(3), 15+. Retrieved October 18, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002559421
• Garth L. Mangum, Stephen L. Mangum and Andrew M. Sum. ( 2003) The Persistence of Poverty in the United States. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.

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