Question

Who are considered to be the most undeserving poor in our country?

1) People who are unemployed
2) People who are disabled
3) People who are lazy
4) People who are elderly

Answer 1

The term 'undeserving poor' is a subjective label applied to certain groups, like the 'lazy' or unemployed, by societal norms. However, this overlooks the complexities of cases like the working poor, who work full time yet live in poverty, and those receiving disability payments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of 'undeserving poor' stems from societal views on poverty and those who should or should not receive welfare support. Historically, certain groups such as the unemployed or the 'lazy' have been seen as less deserving. However, unemployment statistics may not accurately reflect reality, as many individuals stop searching for work out of discouragement, are undercounted due to various reasons such as age or homelessness, or are in positions such as seasonal or migrant work. The disabled and elderly, who often receive disability payments, may face stereotypes about their conditions and lifestyle choices contributing to their economic situation. The working poor, despite full-time employment, may still fall below the poverty line, illustrating the complexity of poverty beyond simplistic labels of worthiness.

Answer 2

The term 'undeserving poor' historically refers to those perceived as poor due to personal choices rather than systemic issues. Among the options, 'people who are lazy' would be seen as the most undeserving, but this is a subjective and stigmatizing approach that overlooks complex socio-economic factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding who are considered the most undeserving poor in a society requires examining societal attitudes towards various groups. Historically, the term usually refers to those who are perceived to be in poverty due to personal failings, such as not working despite having the capacity to do so. Therefore, among the provided options, people who are lazy would be considered the most undeserving, as laziness is often viewed as a personal choice rather than a circumstantial or systemic issue, unlike unemployment, disability, or old age. Moreover, referring to people as 'lazy' is a subjective and stigmatizing label that oversimplifies complex socio-economic issues.

It is important to note that the concepts of 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor are fraught with ethical issues and biases, and they often fail to acknowledge systemic factors that contribute to poverty. The idea of the 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor has shifted significantly over time and depends on the cultural, economic, and political context. Using these terms can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and hinder effective policy-making that addresses the root causes of poverty.