The structural view of poverty in the United States makes more sense to me than the individualistic view. The structural view recognizes that poverty is not simply a result of individual choices or failures, but rather a consequence of systemic factors such as racism, sexism, discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare, and low wages.

The individualistic view of poverty, on the other hand, tends to blame the poor for their own situation. This view often ignores the impact of systemic factors on individual lives. It can also lead to stigmatization and discrimination against the poor.

There is a great deal of evidence to support the structural view of poverty. For example, studies have shown that people of color, women, and people with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty. This is even true after controlling for individual factors such as education and work experience.

Other studies have shown that living in a low-income neighborhood can increase a person’s risk of poverty. This is because low-income neighborhoods often have fewer resources and opportunities than higher-income neighborhoods.

The structural view of poverty is also consistent with the fact that poverty rates have remained relatively stable in the United States over time, despite significant changes in the economy. This suggests that poverty is not simply a result of individual choices, but rather a consequence of systemic factors that are difficult to change.

Here are some specific examples of how systemic factors contribute to poverty in the United States:

• Racism: Racism is a major factor that contributes to poverty in the United States. People of color are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, and paid less than white people. They are also more likely to live in low-income neighborhoods with fewer resources and opportunities.
• Sexism: Sexism is another major factor that contributes to poverty in the United States. Women are more likely to live in poverty than men, even after controlling for individual factors such as education and work experience. This is due to a number of factors, including gender wage gaps, occupational segregation, and the lack of affordable childcare.
• Discrimination: People with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty than people without disabilities. This is due to a number of factors, including discrimination in the workplace, lack of access to education and healthcare, and the high cost of accommodations.
• Lack of access to education and healthcare: Education and healthcare are essential for escaping poverty. However, many people in the United States do not have access to these resources. This is especially true for people in low-income communities.
• Low wages: Many jobs in the United States do not pay enough to live a decent life. This is a major factor that contributes to poverty.

The structural view of poverty has important implications for policy. If we want to reduce poverty, we need to address the systemic factors that contribute to it. This includes investing in education and healthcare, creating jobs that pay a living wage, and combating discrimination.

In conclusion, the structural view of poverty in the United States makes more sense to me than the individualistic view. The structural view recognizes that poverty is not simply a result of individual choices or failures, but rather a consequence of systemic factors such as racism, sexism, discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare, and low wages.