Inequality In The 1960's

In the 1960’s citizens of the United States were considered to be living in poverty. It was a difficult and controversial time for American citizens due to the lack of food, jobs, and education. Apart from these factors there was both economic and racial inequality occurring at the same time. Throughout the presidency of John F. Kennedy and later Lyndon B. Johnson there was a plan to end poverty not through the aid of welfare, but through opportunities. Opportunities to succeed, advance, and reach prosperity, but even though this was the aim some of the problems discussed in the 1960’s are still being questioned today. Before the questioning on economic inequality the United States had a sense of fulfillment. This occurred due to the surrender

Due to the high demand of coal, work was accessible and citizens were earning decent wages. This prosperity of coal occurred because of its high demand, but later in the 1940’s technological advances and the consumption of cheaper fuel declined the need for coal. It is stated, “Some tasks require skills that are either difficult or scarce because they require special training (Cochran Malone, 168).” By implementing technological advancement and machinery the elder workers did not have familiarity nor training was provided to utilize the equipment and were exposed to disqualifications when it came to employment layoffs. As a result the younger people were being hired leaving the rest of workers unemployed, houses were being lost, coal mines were being destroyed, poverty began to increase and dependence on government food was the temporary

Chicago was the land for prosperity. Not only were citizens fleeing their hometowns due to poverty, but also because of racial inequality in the south. Here is the turning point many wanted to have a job and prosper, but because of segregation there was not a variety of opportunities. On the contrary, employment such as stockyards began to shut down. In addition, in Chicago and areas in the north provided employment, there was an industrial increase. As a result citizens sold the few things they owned and migrated. Chicago offered job opportunities there was a variety of factories, but racial inequality was experienced. Although there was an outnumber employment opportunities blacks were underpaid in comparison to whites. They were also prohibited from entering certain jobs. As a result brought about the lack of bus drivers, and sales clerks all due to the segregation. Apart from black citizens not having the same opportunities of white employees they were omitted from receiving promotions. According to the documentary In this Affluent Society both black and white would be working the same job, but with the difference that the blacks would never rise in society. Racial inequality not only affected their work, but it also affected their living conditions. The living conditions began to change for families in Chicago. It is identified in the documentary how a four room apartment was rented to a black family, but the