The Daunting Workplace: Barriers to Unemployment Among the Poor

The Daunting Workplace: Barriers to Unemployment Among the Poor

Many of our nation's poor remain in abject poverty because they see no way out of a viscous cycle that has been their only known way of life for generations. In many ways the poor tend to isolate themselves from the rest of society out of fear of the unknown. There is a strange comfort in things familiar, even if those things are bad. Unemployment remains high among the poor because of social stereotypes and the many ill psychological effects that society imposes on individuals trying to break the cycle of poverty.

Juveniles growing up in impoverished surroundings with a lack of familial support often take to the streets in search of love, support and acceptance. Unfortunately, many of these young people that crave acceptance are welcomed into the arms of gangs and other criminals. Children, teens, and young adults who would normally look to parents as role models begin to model themselves after Gang leaders. Before long, these indigent youths become criminals themselves. Many end up with criminal arrest records which further limits their ability to secure gainful employment.

Minority children in high-poverty areas are more likely to be exposed to alcohol, tobacco and drug distribution; they are also more likely to use drugs and exhibit antisocial behaviors.

Numerous employers envision the poor as having little education, poor health, laziness, complacency, criminal behavior and inferior work ethics. Many of the poor grow up in dysfunctional homes with a lack of access to resources and support and their background becomes a breeding ground for the very things many employers envision about the poor. Social conditioning and lack of support for the impoverished ha...

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After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Arab-Americans have had to deal with very harsh discrimination against them. Some businesses did not even want to be associated with the Arab race. A recent study was conducted and showed that white Americans have two-times more of a chance of getting a job than Arab-Americans (Widner and Chicoine 806).

Low morale, low levels of confidence, low self-esteem and depression can all inhibit job search and sustainability among the poor. Equally, being welfare-reliant and unemployed can also contribute to low morale, low levels of confidence, low self-esteem and more serious forms of mental illness.

Education, job training, special programs that provide role models and moral support for the underprivileged are key factors in securing profitable employment and breaking the cycle of poverty.