For this assignment, I chose to research the income gap that increases the chances of being released into poverty. The income gap is shocking because not only is there a gap between spouses in a household, there is a gap in the time frame in which the income is being earned. However, although there may be gaps in the wages of many different types of people, the biggest wage gap is between the rich and the poor. For example, for multi billion dollar corporations, inflation and other factors are aimed to benefit the rich, with little thought paid towards the poor. If the company is succeeding, the people in power in the company are pocketing more money as the white collar workers in the company are still suffering to pay their rent and live comfortably. This wage gap varies from state-to-state as well and the regions who suffer from this gap the most also happen to be the regions who suffer from high poverty rates the most. Many of the people who are employed and experience this wage gap soon recognize that the funds are not feasible to live comfortably and may seek help from the government in housing, food stamps, etc. which could lead to more debt for the poor people. Therefore, the wage gap increases the chances of being released into poverty and it is extremely difficult to overcome poverty once you are subject to it.
This source also connects to multiple sociological topics regarding poverty. Specifically, it connects to the consequences of poverty and the regions of poverty. The income gap results in poverty which has many different consequences. For example, when the workers are not making as much, it sparks large amounts of stress on families and stress is never a good thing. When there is stress in the household, it could lead to divorce of parents, mental health risks, and may even reach further and affect the housing situations of those families. Many families end up homeless due to wage changes and gaps in income, which affects children immensely and may follow them throughout their lives. Also, the regions in which these income gaps are in the most effect are the same regions where poverty rates are the highest. The southern states in the U.S. are the most affected by these wage gaps and are also the states who are the deepest in poverty. When poverty rates rise, it becomes extremely difficult for the families to put money aside for any type of emergencies, which can be disastrous. The people who are affected by the wage gaps are all living in a financial house of cards, as one mistake or accident can be the difference between life or death.
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