Analysis Of The Working Poor By David Shipler

In the Working Poor, David Shipler shows the different levels of poverty in the United States. Although many people work every day they still do not have enough money to live their lives comfortably or contently. In chapter 1, Money and Its Opposite, discuss the different people that worked hard their entire lives only to remain in or below the poverty line. For instance, in the book Shipler speaks of the disadvantages that the working poor are susceptible to. Often being taken advantage of from employers that do not give accesses that they are entitled to, the working poor are more likely to be audit than the wealthy, and become victims of cons that point toward money for a small payment, first. The many that live in poverty often overspend.

People are often faced with many challenges that force them into poverty, which often is out of their control. A person that lives in poverty has the ability to take hold of their lives and go on to become productive is inspiring to me as a student of the social work cohort. Striving to become a social worker and reading this book allowed me the insight of the different people that I will encounter on a daily basis. As a social worker I will come intact with a variety of people that live in poverty, as well as some that do not. The people that I will encounter will be recovering addicts, people that are faced with unemployment that are struggling with paying bills or providing food for their families. Another thing that stays with me is the few that can live just above the poverty line, as well as the many that live in poverty daily. Advocating, counseling, or educating is one area of social work that I will have to provide for clients. In thinking about this, there are many services that can help individuals and family. These services only aid the persons and will not take them out of the condition known as poverty. Families fall in and out of poverty easily during their life time. With that being said, there are families that receive a much needed hands up, which allows them to fall out of poverty. But the fear of poverty looms constancy at their doors. One of the most important things that a person that lives in poverty can do is to strive for a better education. With a higher education there are more opportunities for advancement within the work force. The advancements that are rewarded with a higher degree of education will enable poverty stricken families to a better way of living. Which will provide a higher income, medical insurance for health problems, better education, and better housing opportunities. This is another area that my studies will enhance my ability when working as a social worker.