Number of poor Americans reveals economic reality, and possible dispute of socio-economic contracts

It is somewhat ironic that Payday Loans would create an infographic like the one below, but then again maybe it is is not. In any case, it shows the economic reality in America, one of the world's wealthiest nations, is filled with 6.4 million workforce dropouts, up to 500,000 homeless children, 46.2 million in poverty, and elderly people, 1 of 6 of whom fall below the poverty income level. 

It is also interesting to note, one of the key determinants of remaining poor is staying in dead-end low paying jobs. In other words, individuals are more likely to benefit from being pro-active and resisting exploitation than leaving those decisions up to those who benefit from the decision not to. Moreover, according to the infographic, a larger version of which can be viewed at Visual.ly, 43 percent of Americans think people can always find jobs if they are willing to work.

Although the numbers don't seem all that surprising, they are disappointing to see. An important concept the infographic leaves out is the sociological reasoning behind individual choices to give up on looking for work. In other words, people do place themselves in poor scenarios either consciously or unconsciously by their own choices at least some of the time, but why they do that could be just as valid or as invalid as the choice to be more pro-active. For example, if economics involves a social contract with society, do individuals have a right to protest the terms of that contract via non-action?

by NowSourcing. Browse more data visualization.