Public misperceptions persist about poverty in America

Stat house
February 2003

Public misperceptions persist about poverty in America
It's an armed world after all: world military expenditures 1999-2000

Public misperceptions persist about poverty in America

Most Americans believe that between 1 and 5 million people live in poverty in the United States when the actual number is nearly 33 million, according to results of the national "Poverty Pulse" survey released today by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

The "Poverty Pulse" is commissioned annually by CCHD to determine public views on poverty. A total of 1,015 respondents were surveyed among the general adult population to highlight Americans' perceptions about what it means to be poor in the U.S. The public opinion poll is conducted as part of Poverty in America Awareness Month, which is observed in January.

This year's survey revealed that many Americans believe that it actually takes almost double the amount of money determined by the federal government to be the minimum income required to cover basic family needs. For example, almost half of the respondents (47 percent) believe that it takes almost $35,000 annually to adequately house, clothe and feed a family of four. However, the federal government's official poverty threshold for that family is $18,100.

"Poverty Pulse" results indicated a significant decline in the number of people who donated money to organizations helping the poor. The percent giving money dropped from 41 percent in 2001 to 32 percent in 2002. This decrease may possibly be attributed to people's concerns about the economy.

The number of poor Americans still increased in 2001, which means that nearly one out of every eight people in the United States is affected by the cycle of poverty. This increase in the number of low-income people in the United States, to more than 11 percent, represents an additional 1.3 million people who are seriously affected by poverty, based on recent figures by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Among those polled, approximately 20 percent view "better education for children and adults" as the best way to permanently effectively address poverty in America.

There are some interesting differences in perceptions with regard to responding to poverty, according to the CCHD. Last year saw a significant increase in those who felt that the government should be responsible for responding to the needs of poor people. That level has declined somewhat this year, but it is still significantly higher than that in 2000. The spike in 2001 could very likely be due to the effect that September 11 has had, according to the CCHD. Many people were looking to the government and feeling confidence in the government to help in a difficult time. There has been a steady decline in those who feel "everyone" is responsible. And while the level of those who felt the poor are responsible for themselves dropped last year (again possibly due to the emotional response to 9-11), that level has increased this year.

The government is also seen as having done the most in helping to alleviate poverty in the U.S. When asked, "Which organization or person specifically has done the most to alleviate poverty in the United States?" about half could not provide a response. Those who did respond, cited various parts of the government (19 percent of all respondents, 37 percent of those who provided a response to the question). This included elected officials. "The government" was cited by 8 percent. Charitable organizations and religious organizations were also cited at high levels, with the Salvation Army receiving 5 percent. The Catholic Church and Catholic charities were specifically cited by 1 percent.

[NOTE: The percentages add up to more than 100 percent because a few respondents provided more than one response.]

A Snapshot of Needs in the United States:
Families Living in Poverty: 13 percent
Children Living in Poverty: 19 percent
Households Threatened by Food Shortages: 10 percent
People without Health Insurance: 15 percent
Children without Health Insurance: 14 percent
Renters without Affordable Housing: 39 percent

How Much Does it Take to Get By?
Nationally, seven million people earn the federal minimum wage with another ten million earning up to a dollar more. Compare the average living wage for a family of three and the minimum wage. Then, take into consideration that the median public assistance per state for a family of three only pays $377 a month.
Living Wage: $15.68 per hour
Minimum Wage: $5.15 per hour

Above from the National Priorities Project

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