Question

How does the internet revolution exacerbate the difference in life chances between rich and poor in the United States?

What is the personal responsibility and work opportunity reconciliation Act, and what impact has it on welfare and social services in the United States

Answer 1

The internet revolution made knowledge extremely cheap and simply a click away for Smartphone users. This however doesn’t take into account people who cannot use smartphones or afford an internet connection. Social and mobile technologies do very little to improve social mobility of the poor. The poor kids tended to make use of phones in a mindless and completely different way when compared to the riches. While the rich kids used them for the purpose of job prospects, higher education, political and social engagement, health and newsgathering, and less for entertainment and recreation. Even though these kids do spend their time in activities like watching random videos and exchanging snapchats, since social networks online tend to reflect social networks in real life, the wealthier kids have more people to draw on digitally to help advance their education and careers. This simply means that despite its efforts otherwise, internet has widened the gap between the haves and have nots for now. Simply provision of equal opportunity doesn’t necessarily mean the same shall be implemented. The manner in which it is utilised makes all the difference.

The act was signed by President Clinton and it is a comprehensive welfare reform plan change the nation's welfare system into one that requires work in exchange for time-limited assistance. The law contains strong work requirements, a performance bonus to reward states for moving welfare recipients into jobs, state maintenance of effort requirements, comprehensive child support enforcement, and supports for families moving from welfare to work -- including increased funding for child care and guaranteed medical coverage. It was passed in 1996 and was done with an intent to create brighter opportunities for US employees. Thereafter, positive changes in the overall economy were reported by economists stating that welfare caseloads have dropped substantially, from 5.5% of the total U.S. population in 1994 to 2.1% in June 2001. Many former welfare recipients have entered the workforce, and poverty has fallen among children overall from 1993 to 1999.