Abstract
We have examined throughout the length of this course the fact that America's lower class does not have the ability to voice their political concerns that the wealthier classes have and thus, when focusing on the issue of welfare it is important to realize that most of the policies enacted intend to influence the poor were based on middle- and upper-class perceptions of what is best for them. In other words, if the upper strata of American society believe the poor to be born into misfortune, they would be likely to institute welfare policies that greatly help them achieve upward mobility. However, the truth is that most of middle- and upper-class Americans seem to view the poor with contempt and condemnation, fueled greatly by their belief that the poor simply aren't trying hard enough.
