10 Additional Sources on Poverty & Minimum Wage

Works Cited

“About Poverty.” Poverty. U.S. Census Bureau, 16 Sept. 2010. Web. 13 May 2011. The U.S. Census Bureau demonstrates how they measure poverty.  There are several statistics to show increases in the number of people in poverty.

Hough, Andy. “How to Get Ahead on Minimum Wage.” Money. U.S.News & World Report LP, 25 June 2010. Web. 13 May 2011. This article considers what it takes to live on minimum wage.  They specifically discuss how to cut back on housing, transportation, food, and entertainment.  In the end this article suggests that getting by and even getting ahead while living on minimum wage can be done.

“Living Wage Calculation for Wisconsin.” http://www.livingwage.geog.psu.edu/‌states/‌55. The Pennsylvania State University, 2011. Web. 6 May 2011. This website calculates both the living wages for a certain county and the poverty levels in the county.  It looks at separate expenses like food, childcare and housing.  It also looks at typical hourly wages for various jobs.

“Minimum Wage.”  30 Days. FX. 15 June 2005. Television. This video is the story of Morgan Spurlock’s journey through living on minimum wage.  Him and his girl friend decided to try this experiment to see if it was possible to support themselves while only earning minimum wages.

“Minimum Wage Laws in the States - January 1, 2011.” United States Department of Labor. Division of Communications Wage and Hour Division, 2011. Web. 13 May 2011. The United States Department of Labor has an incredible amount of information on labor and wages.  This specific page has the minimum wages for each state, and includes a map of the U.S. to illustrate which states pay higher, lower, or the same as the Federal minimum wages, and which states do not have a minimum wage law.

Pete. “Overcoming Poverty Consciousness.” My Financial Awareness. My Financial Awareness, L.L.C., 2008. Web. 9 May 2011. This website is about defining poverty and how it happens. It gives advice how how it can be prevented and overcome.  It is very informative for those that are in this kind of situation.

“Poverty in the United States-FAQ.” National Poverty Center. University of Michigan, 2006. Web. 9 May 2011. This website addresses some common questions regarding poverty in the United States.  It discusses how the U.S. measures poverty, how many people are born into poverty, how poverty changes over time and how poverty is different throughout the country, among other topics.

Shepard, Adam. Scratch Beginnings. N.p.: Harper Paperbacks, 2010. Print. This book is about Adam Shepard’s journey to start with nothing and make a life of himself on low wages.  He was inspired by “Nickel and Dimed” by Barbara Ehrenreich to write this book.  If you were intrigued by Ehrenreich’s story, this would be a great read for you.

“The Story of Stuff.” The Story of Stuff Project. Creative Commons, 2011. Web. 13 May 2011. The Story of Stuff Project addresses environmental, social, and economic concerns.  The Story of Stuff Project includes a book, videos, and a website with additional sources and an ongoing blog.

Walmart Workers Speak Out About Abusive Working Conditions. YouTube. N.p., 27 Feb. 2011. Web. 13 May 2011. This YouTube video hears from two former Wal-Mart employees.  They are both very much opposed to opening Wal-Mart stores throughout New York City because of the awful working conditions.