Poverty and Economic Inequality in Philadelphia and the use of Solutions Journalism
It’s no secret that many cities have poor populations and those that are victims of economic inequality. Because it is, unfortunately, so prevalent there are many opportunities to discuss and highlight the different types of solutions to this issue. In cities like Philadelphia, the issue of poverty and economic inequality has many layers and is complex which can complicate the use of solutions journalism in bringing awareness. However, it also gives solutions journalists the opportunity to write about the many ways different organizations are trying to tackle the layers of it.
Solutions Journalism seeks to give the details of an issue but it also makes sure to highlight the research, actions and results of the responses that people or organizations are using to attempt to solve an issue. One of the issues that surrounds the topic of poverty is the eviction crisis in Philadelphia. The Reinvestment Fund conducted a study to get a better understanding of the problem. In their study, they found that the state of rent has continued to rise in Philadelphia but income has not.
This has caused a significant problem because, as of 2015, the household income needed per unit was $46,240 which was much higher than the average household income which was $41,233.
Issues like housing security gives solutions journalism investigations the opportunity to elaborate on the issue of poverty in Philadelphia. I believe that because poverty is a prevalent issue in many cities like Philadelphia, there are many organizations and communities that are actively working together to tackle the different layers of the issue. I also believe that other cities have found ways to incorporate solutions journalism into their exploration of how efforts to tackle a layer of poverty has succeeded or failed. I believe that because of this, solutions journalism would be a great way to highlight the issue of poverty in Philadelphia and the active ways that various groups are combating the issue.
