This is significant, because it is illustrating how these levels and the performance of the economy are directly linked. As, this will lead to: a number of social problems and reduced economic activity. At which point, this will have a dramatic impact on: the underlying amounts of prosperity and the standard of living in many communities. (Nilsen) How this is impacting the United States?

The impact that this is having on the U.S., is that can lead to a number of long-term issues down the road. Most notably: it is causing a wide variety of cities to experience economic blight and the nation is slowly losing its competiveness. The way that this has been contributing to economic ruin is by: adding to losses of manufacturing and service jobs in a number of cities. As, this is causing a reduction in: the opportunities for many regions. Once this occurs, it means that there is the loss of tax revenues with: many affluent families and individuals leaving an area. This is the point that the amount of abandoned properties and crime rates will begin to increase. While local governments, will see a reduction in tax revenues. This leads to declines in the number of services they are providing. As many cities will fall into a downward economic spiral that is difficult to reverse. (Williams)

When you combine the total number of cities that are experiencing similar issues, this will lead to a decrease in the national productivity rate. The reason why is: the various manufacturing and service jobs will reduce the ability of cities to produce a wide variety of products. Once this occurs, it will cause to the loss of economic activity and social opportunity to decline. (Williams) From the sociological perspective, this is having an effect on the individual by: reducing the number of opportunities to improve their lives. As the lower amounts of services is having an impact...

Over the course of time, this will affect their mental attitude. As they believe, that there are no opportunities to improve their lives other than becoming involved in criminal activity. This is the point that crime and social unrest will increase. (Williams)
Clearly, shifts in economy are having an impact on the underlying levels of poverty. This is because large segments of the population are becoming older. Over the course of time, this will have effect on economic activity. As, the nation must utilize an increasing number of immigrants to: address these issues. The problem with this solution is that it is starting to create labor shortages by: raising costs and increasing the poverty rate (with many businesses relocating to areas where they are lower). This is having an adverse impact on number of different communities. Where, they have been experiencing economic blight and the nation is starting to slowly lose its competitive advantage. From a sociological perspective, this is influencing the individual through: the lack of economic opportunity. This is due the fact that the reduced amount of services, means that they will not have the chance to: receive a quality education and live productive lives. Once this occurs, it will lead to an increase in crime rates and social upheaval by: directly impacting their mental attitude.

Bibliography

Gabe, Thomas. Poverty in the United States. CRS, Washington DC, 2008. Print.

Mishel, Lawrence. The State of the Working in America. ILR Press, Ithaca, 2009. Print.

Nilsen, Skgurd. "Poverty in America." GAO, 2009. Web 23 Jun. 2011< http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07344.pdf>

Williams, Joseph. "Poverty and Crime." Christian Association, 2007. Web. 23 Jun. 2011.

MLA Format. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/