Glenwood City: Poverty Effect

With a population of 1,242 residents, Glenwood statistics depict the true nature of a society whose members know each other by name. As of 2013, the residents whose income was below the poverty level was 18.1%, a significant statistic in such a small town. When compared with that of the state of Wisconsin (17.8%), it is much higher. This statistic can be attributed to the agricultural nature of the town since majority of those under the poverty line are farm workers and farmers who do not account their earnings in monetary terms.

The statistic translates to Glenwood town having a high percentage of its minority population lacking in basic social amenities in terms of proper housing and good food. It also means that such a society is probably facing the problem of economic disparity between the poor and the rich. That disparity means that the minority groups in the society have been relegated to minor jobs, thus leading to race segregation and possibly discrimination. As an agricultural community, it means that the Latino and the African-American populations are likely to increase in size, in the coming years as they seek employment opportunities. It also means that racial problems will increase with time as depicted by the difference between the 2000 and the 2010 census demographics.

The results of such a situation may affect the society acutely. First, the society economically lacks stability as there exists a very huge gap between the poor and the rich. Secondly, this economic gap leads to social segregation between the rich and the poor thus creating social communities that are determined by economic status. Thirdly, the existence of such segregation encourages an economic rebellion that is characterized by increment in criminal activities. Due to the racial significance that the economic difference creates, it automatically leads to racial groupings that encourage xenophobic activities. This eventually breeds social problems such as discriminations and social harassment.