Topic Outline and Working References

Running Head: TOPIC OUTLINE AND WORKING REFERENCES

Topic Outline and Working References

Topic Outline and Working References

Thesis: Americans need to make more of an effort to end the many types of suffering that children endure from the effects of poverty.

I. Emotional and Behavioral Problems

A. Poverty is related to children’s social and emotional development. Children in poverty have a greater risk of displaying behavior and emotional problems, such as disobedience, impulsiveness, and difficulty getting along with peers. Children in poverty display fewer positive behaviors (such as compliance) than their non-impoverished peers. Family poverty is also associated with a higher risk for teen childbearing, less positive peer relations, and lower self esteem compared with children who have never experienced poverty. One study found that long term poverty is associated with children’s inner feelings of anxiety, unhappiness, and dependence, while current poverty is associated with acting out, disobedience and aggression [ (Anderson-Moore, Redd, Burkhauser, Mbwana, & Collins, 2009) ].

B. Poverty also plays a role in behavior. Children who grow up poor risk developing behavior problems for a number of reasons. Research suggests, for example, that poor children are more likely to receive harsh discipline and less cognitive stimulation at home. Their parents are more likely than parents who aren’t poor to feel they have less social support, to feel isolated, and to believe that aggression is an appropriate means of solving problems. These children often live in neighborhoods were the likelihood of violence is higher than most. Poor children, therefore, are more likely to witness violence. When that happens, the chances of them adopting aggressive behaviors are increased. Children who are poor also tend to have transient peer groups. And frequent changes in day care and living arrangements rob children of the opportunity to form stable...