Americans are commonly taught the idea of the United States being the "land of opportunity" – where everyone can achieve success through hard work alone, but that is not entirely accurate. While the United States has a history of providing opportunities and upward mobility for some individuals, it is not a universal reality for everyone. One of the rock issues being the amount of poverty in the United States – which is multifaceted and influenced by various factors. While the United States has often been referred to as the "land of opportunity," there are several reasons why poverty continues to affect the country.
Economic inequality has been a core issue to poverty in America. The United States has experienced a widening gap between the
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However, disparities in educational resources, including funding and quality, can hinder opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Jonathan Kozol, an American writer and education advocate, has stated, "In many communities, especially those with high poverty rates, schools lack essential resources such as experienced teachers, up-to-date textbooks, and modern facilities. These disparities in educational opportunities create a cycle of limited opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds." The disparities in educational opportunities between communities with high poverty rates and more affluent areas create a cycle of limited opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In schools that lack essential resources such as experienced teachers, up-to-date textbooks, and modern facilities, students from low-income families are at a disadvantage right from the start. The quality of education they receive is compromised, limiting their ability to acquire the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary for future success. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as these children face greater challenges in accessing higher education and securing well-paying jobs. Unequal access to quality education contributes to the achievement gap, which refers to the disparities in academic performance and outcomes between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Children from low-income families are more likely to attend underfunded schools with limited resources, which impacts their academic achievement and long-term prospects. The achievement gap further limits their upward mobility, making it harder for them to break free from the constraints of poverty and improve their socioeconomic status. Unequal access to quality education reinforces existing systemic inequalities. The disparities in educational opportunities are often rooted in