Poverty In The Census Bureau

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What is poverty?

Merriam-Webster’s (n.d.) definition of poverty is “the state of being poor; a lack of something”. As an overall concept this designation may suffice, however, it does not provide the ability to statistically measure such a condition among the population. Without a consensus on how to describe poverty, a standard measurement cannot be devised. Instead, two additional definitions, which are used frequently, are the poverty guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the poverty threshold from the U.S. Census Bureau. Both measurements have their limitations, however, they do provide a baseline in which comparisons can be made from historical data and the information can assist in preparing for potential …show more content…

In order to review the history of poverty over time, the Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) to the Current Population Survey (CPS) will be utilized. According to the Census Bureau (n.d.), the ASEC questionnaire is conducted annually, in conjunction with the CPS, during the months of February, March, and April with a sample of about 100,000 addresses per year. The survey contains national estimates of income and poverty rates and collects information regarding income including noncash benefits such as subsidized school lunches. This is the only survey that provides data beginning in 1959 and therefore can be utilized for historical …show more content…

These can include changes in the economy, changes in family composition (Top 5 Causes of Poverty - The Borgen Project, 2013; Iceland, 2012; Haskins and Sawhill, 2007), changes in government spending (Top 5 Causes of Poverty - The Borgen Project, 2013; Haskins and Sawhill, 2007), social stratification (Iceland, 2012), remoteness, education (Ahmed, Hill, Smith, & Frankenberger, 2007), and even extreme weather events (McGrath, 2013). By researching these changes in history coupled with the respective regions of the country, it can narrow the scope of solutions needed and assist with resources when

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