Question

helen, a college student, rents a studio apartment. she cannot afford a television and lives on cheap groceries like dried beans and ramen noodles. since she does not have a regular job, she does not own a car. helen is living in :

Answer 1

Helen, a college student, is living in economic hardship, similar to what is described in literature on poverty. She cannot afford basic amenities, making tough economic choices, and experiencing the challenges of unstable housing and limited budget living.

Step-by-step explanation:

Helen, a college student, is exemplifying a state of economic hardship, similar to the individuals described in Matthew Desmond's book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City and the experiences that Barbara Ehrenreich writes about in Nickel and Dimed. These works provide insights into the realities faced by people living in poverty, including the inability to afford basic amenities, such as a television, reliable transportation like a car, and the necessity to subsist on inexpensive food items like dried beans and ramen noodles.

This reflects the stark challenges that come with living on a limited budget while trying to pursue higher education, and often leads to tough economic choices, including compromising on the quality of life and essential needs.

The anecdotal evidence presented by authors like Desmond and Ehrenreich illustrate how unstable housing, lack of affordable healthcare, and the high cost of living contribute to a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to break free from, especially without stable employment or sufficient income.