this discussion, we will take a social scientist’s lens to look at poverty in the U.S. and the world. You will conduct research into poverty statistics in the U.S. and other countries.

First, research the latest data on poverty by searching the US Census website.

Next, drawing from this information as well as two additional academic resources from Excelsior Library, answer the following questions. Be sure to indicate the dates of the information you are discussing. Try to locate the most up-to-date statistics.
•What disparities did you note when first looking at the charts?
•What fact did you find that was most disturbing to you and why?
•What information is lacking when you review the statistics? Why might it be important in gaining a fuller picture of poverty?
•Locate the poverty statistics on one of the following countries from the World Bank website: Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, Jamaica, China, El Salvador.

Page 2**
In this second discussion we will consider the “invisible poor” and delve deeper into persistent poverty in the U.S. You will need to gather your facts to develop your responses, and you will need to support your positions with well-reasoned and cogent arguments using data. This is the way all good social science research is conducted.

Please be sure to read the following before engaging in the discussion:
•The Other America in the Nation 14 May 2012

Review the materials given in this module before going on to find additional sources to include in your initial post of 250+ words. You will want to find support for your position in answering these questions:
•What are the effects of poverty?
•Why is poverty a persistent problem in America?
•What can be done to address the problem?
•What has been the effect of a growing number of working Americans earning below the “living wage” threshold?