Overview

Capitalism is 100 years old and today dominates every part of the globe. Its champions claim that it is the greatest engine of productive growth the world has seen; they also contend that it has the unique ability to raise the standard of living of every person on earth. Does that mean that because of capitalism, we are all slouching towards utopia or at least achieving middle class life style? The United States (US) is often referred to as a nation dominated by middle class, one in which it is relatively easy for a poor person to become a person of means; where equality of opportunity rules. Would it not be fair to assume therefore that such a society ought not to be one where there is widespread poverty? Reality dictates otherwise. Poverty is perpetuating but it can be contained if you recognize both human and structural failings and offer timely and appropriately targeted intervention. This comparative analysis, extended across the frontiers of Texas, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Idaho, examines the causes of poverty and attempts to affirm the hypothesis that self employment - micro enterprise eases the constraints of poverty almost immediately. The backdrop is the most depressed and affluent counties in Texas being contrasted against two or more comparatively impoverished and most affluent counties in New Jersey, Rhode Island and Idaho. The reason Texas has been selected is because based on the U.S. Census Bureau 2003 data, Starr County, Hidalgo County and Cameron County, Texas, had a poverty level of 50.9%, 38% and 36.5% respectively. The Bronx, New York was reported at 28.7% while Somerset County, New Jersey and Waukesha County, Iowa reported poverty levels of less than 3.3%. Rhode Island reflected an average rate of 8.9%; and Idaho which reported 9.8%, well below the national average of 12.5% is primarily a single race community.

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9781432740085

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