Rural Economic Deprivation in New York and the Effect on Children
Sandra Ordonez
Dr. Patrice LeClerc, Faculty Mentor
McNair Research, Summer 2004
Rural Economic Deprivation in New York and the Effect on Children is not meant to prove a new solution in rural America. It is meant to bring social awareness to St. Lawrence University students and faculty. This research paper discusses and evaluates the vicious cycle of poverty in the North Country and children’s economic well-being. Sociologist Daniel T. Lichter wrote: “A disproportionate share of today’s poor children will become tomorrow’s poor adults” (1997, p. 121). This review evaluates why this statement is true in two rural communities, Parishville and Harrisville. It measures the various degrees of poverty in hopes of proving that the “culture of poverty” is the best model that explains the effects of maladaptive behavior and education/employment limitations on children.