Question

How does the U.S. government define poverty? Do you believe the poverty line as defined by the U.S.government adequate? Why or why not.

Answer 1

The government of United States defines poverty as being equal to or less than three times an average family in United States with minimum food expenditures as it is calculated by the USDA. The percentage of families in United States with incomes below the poverty line is known as the poverty rate. In my opinion the poverty line as defined by the U.S. government is inadequate because it does not take into consideration other living costs (such as shelter, utilities, and transportation) besides food, and the federal poverty line will remain same whether an individual stays in McAlester, Okla or New York City. Furthermore it does not take into consideration the costs of other goods and services such as health care and education