Dr. Brandy Faulkner on Unmasking Poverty in America
We have evidence that safety net programs do help to improve the quality of life among poor people. And we sometimes will look at these programs and talk about them in terms of them being some sort of luxury.
Ever wondered why poverty persists despite the 'American Dream'? Dr. Brandy Faulkner, Gloria D. Smith Professor of Africana Studies at Virginia Tech, tackles this complex issue head-on in this episode of Dissect & Connect. Forget the old 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' mentality; Dr. Faulkner argues that systemic issues are the real culprits behind the growing poverty crisis in the United States.
From the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color to the barriers in accessing healthcare, this discussion dives deep into the multifaceted nature of poverty. Dr. Faulkner doesn't just highlight problems; she also points listeners toward valuable resources and potential solutions, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and address socioeconomic disparities. Tune in to hear how poverty isn't just about individual failures but a larger, systemic issue that needs collective action.