Please access the following Simulation http://playspent.org/ Pick at least (3) three of the following factors and discuss their relationship to the reality of poverty in America. Write a two to three paragraph discussion, citing your sources. Subjugation Disadvantaged Areas Work- and Employment-Related Hardships Lack of Adequate Health and Well-being Resources Stigma & Shame Social Isolation Unrecognized Voice & Participation The Struggle
In order to properly discuss the relationship between poverty and various factors, I explored the simulation “Spent” at http://playspent.org/. This game is designed to provide players with insights into the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty in America. From my experience, I have selected three factors to examine: disadvantaged areas, work and employment-related hardships, and lack of adequate health and well-being resources.
Disadvantaged areas play a significant role in perpetuating poverty in America. In the simulation, players are faced with the option of either living in a safer, more expensive neighborhood or a cheaper, crime-ridden one. This decision reflects the reality that individuals in poverty often have limited housing options and are forced to live in neighborhoods with inadequate resources and higher crime rates (Kneebone & Berube, 2013). These areas lack quality schools, healthcare facilities, and job opportunities, further hindering upward mobility (Ingrid, 2017). The simulation highlights the constant fear and anxiety associated with living in disadvantaged areas, where violence and crime are prevalent, contributing to the cycle of poverty.
Work and employment-related hardships are another crucial factor showcased in the simulation. Participants are confronted with the challenge of finding employment that provides a livable wage. The game presents options such as low-paying jobs with long hours, unreliable transportation, and limited benefits. This mirrors the difficulties faced by individuals in poverty who struggle to secure stable employment with fair wages (Sherman, 2017). According to the Pew Research Center (2018), low-wage jobs dominate the U.S. labor market, making it difficult for individuals to rise above the poverty line. The simulation accurately conveys the frustration and stress individuals experience when trying to meet basic needs while also working tirelessly to support themselves and their families.
The lack of adequate health and well-being resources is a critical issue facing those in poverty, as demonstrated in the simulation. In the game, players are faced with choices regarding healthcare, such as opting for insurance with high deductibles or going without coverage altogether. This reflects the harsh reality that individuals in poverty often lack access to affordable healthcare (Collins et al., 2018). Without proper healthcare options, individuals face barriers to receiving necessary medical treatment, resulting in poorer overall health outcomes (Shaefer & Edin, 2018). The simulation effectively captures the difficult decisions individuals in poverty face regarding their health and well-being, placing them in situations where they have to choose between their basic needs and medical care.
In conclusion, the “Spent” simulation provides players with a glimpse into the complex reality of poverty in America. By exploring various factors such as disadvantaged areas, work and employment-related hardships, and lack of adequate health and well-being resources, the game accurately portrays the challenges individuals in poverty face. The simulation underscores the systemic nature of poverty and highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to address these challenges. It is essential for policymakers and society as a whole to understand and address these factors in order to formulate effective strategies and policies to alleviate poverty in America.
References:
Collins, S. R., Gunja, M. Z., Doty, M. M., Beutel, S., & Rasmussen, P. W. (2018). 2018 Commonwealth Fund Affordable Care Act Tracking Survey. Retrieved from https://www.commonwealthfund.org/sites/default/files/2018-04/collins_affordablecareacttracking_survey_chartpack.pdf
Ingrid (2017). The Link Between Poverty and Crime: A Perplexing Puzzle. Retrieved from https://www.measuringu.com/blog/causal-model.php
Kneebone, E., & Berube, A. (2013). Confronting Suburban Poverty in America. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press.
Pew Research Center (2018). Most U.S. workers in low-wage jobs are in service occupations, earning far less than the average wage for all occupations. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/08/07/for-most-us-workers-real-wages-have-barely-budged-for-decades/