Myths of Poverty

Myths of Poverty

True or False? Are these statements myths or truth?

Poll

If you are poor in the U.S., you're doing pretty well.

• true

• false

MYTH

Out of 24 nations, the U.S. consistently ranks between 19th and 23rd in caring for children in poverty in areas of health, education, and material well-being.

World Vision. (n.d.)

Poll

Poverty has little lasting impact on children.

• true

• false

MYTH

"Research is clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to children's well-being. Poverty can impede children's ability to learn and contribute to social, emotional and behavior problems. Poverty also can contribute to poor physical and mental health."

World Vision. (n.d.)

Poll

All U.S. children have equal opportunities to succeed in school.

• true

• false

MYTH

Teachers in high poverty schools traditionally have less experience and expertise.

22% of children that have lived in poverty do not graduate from high school compared to 6% that have never.

World Vision. (n.d.)

Poll

People who are poor are lazy.

• true

• false

MYTH

In 2010, 10.5 million people worked in poverty for at least 27 weeks of the year.

World Vision. (n.d.)

Poll

More than half of the U.S. population will live in poverty by the age of 65.

• true

• false

TRUTH

According to a study conducted by the Urban Institute in 2010 more than half the American population will move in and out of poverty at least once by the time they reach 65.

World Vision. (n.d.)