Poverty

Definition

Poverty refers to the state of being extremely poor, characterized by a lack of financial resources, access to basic necessities, and an inability to maintain a standard of living. It can manifest in various forms, including absolute poverty, where individuals lack the essentials for survival, and relative poverty, which is measured in relation to the economic status of others within a society. This condition was notably prevalent during the Great Depression, significantly influencing social attitudes and artistic expression in cinema.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Great Depression, poverty reached unprecedented levels in the United States, with millions of families losing their jobs and homes.
2. Film industry responded to the hardships of the time by creating movies that depicted the struggles and realities of everyday life under poverty.
3. The portrayal of poverty in cinema often aimed to evoke empathy and raise awareness about social issues, contributing to a cultural shift in public perception.
4. Government programs initiated during the Great Depression sought to alleviate poverty through job creation and financial aid, shaping future welfare policies.
5. Many films from this era used elements of Social Realism to authentically depict the impact of poverty on individuals and families, making it a significant theme in American cinema.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence the representation of poverty in American cinema?
  • The Great Depression profoundly affected how poverty was depicted in American cinema. Filmmakers began to focus on realistic portrayals of struggles faced by ordinary people, often highlighting themes of unemployment, homelessness, and economic despair. This shift was not only an artistic choice but also served as a means to engage audiences with the harsh realities of their time, fostering a greater understanding and empathy for those affected by poverty.
• Discuss the role of Social Realism in depicting poverty during the Great Depression and its impact on viewers.
  • Social Realism played a crucial role in portraying poverty during the Great Depression by emphasizing authentic narratives that reflected the challenges faced by the working class. Through gritty storytelling and relatable characters, films aimed to resonate with audiences who were experiencing similar hardships. This approach not only raised awareness about social issues but also encouraged a sense of solidarity among viewers, prompting discussions about economic inequality and societal responsibilities.
• Evaluate how the depiction of poverty in films from the Great Depression era influenced later social policies in America.
  • The depiction of poverty in films from the Great Depression era had a lasting impact on American social policies by highlighting the urgent need for government intervention. As audiences connected with these stories of struggle and resilience, there was growing public support for welfare programs aimed at alleviating economic distress. This cinematic representation helped shape policy discussions around social security, job creation initiatives, and public assistance programs that emerged as essential responses to poverty in subsequent decades.

Related terms

The Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that aimed to represent everyday life and the struggles of the working class, often highlighting issues like poverty.

Welfare State: A government system that provides social security and assistance to individuals in need, often established in response to economic hardships like poverty.