Structural Causes of Poverty

• Prompt: Structural Causes of Poverty – Brainstorm and come up with a list of reasons why people are unequal in our society. Instead of presenting them in a list, respond to the discussion prompt (paragraph format) about poverty and privilege. You are encouraged to see beyond their own experience―to use the sociological imagination. Include a Scripture in your responses. What does God’s word say about caring for the poor, women, and children? Common misconceptions that you should confront:
  • The poor are responsible for their poverty.
  • If people wanted to move up the class ladder, they just need to work harder.
  • There’s nothing we can really do to end poverty.
  • The poor will always be with us.
• Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply.
• Question 2
• Prompt: Tax Policies – Address federal, state, and local tax policies and discuss the relationship between social class, employment, and taxes. Are current and proposed tax policies perceived as fair? Debate the merits of the “flat tax” and a “consumption tax.” How would these kinds of tax plans affect the middle class, the working class, and the wealthy?
• Requirements: 250 words minimum initial post, 100 words minimum reply