In 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 reviewing information at Income and Poverty in the United States: 2014 – census.gov.

Also review the information from the World Bank, specifically World Bank Overview and World Bank, Countries. Locate the poverty statistics on one of the following countries from the World Bank Countries Poverty and Equity Data area: Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, Jamaica, China, El Salvador.

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?