Author Question: Describe and analyze patterns in income, poverty, education, and literacy in Texas. How does Texas ... (Read 74 times)

rosent76 · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

Describe and analyze patterns in income, poverty, education, and literacy in Texas. How does Texas compare to other states and the United States as a whole? What types of differences exist within Texas as a function of geography and race/ethnicity?

Do these patterns matter in terms of political participation and influence?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Compare and contrast the Hispanic, African American, and Anglo populations in Texas. What has happened to the percentages of each in recent decades and how are they expected to change in coming decades? Where are each of the populations concentrated?

What has historically been their influence in politics and how, if at all, has it changed?What will be an ideal response?

Jmfn03 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that Texas has lower levels of income and education than most other states and higher levels of poverty, including among children.
2. Explain that there are significant differences across ethnic/racial groups, with Anglos having higher income and education levels. Poverty is related to income and education so some of the poorest counties in the country are in largely Hispanic counties along the border with Mexico.
3. Identify financial resources as a source for political voice through ability to finance political campaigns, purchase media access, etc.
4. Identify education as a major determinant of interest in, understanding of, and participation in politics.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain the growth of the Hispanic population as a result of high birth rates and immigration.
2. Identify predicted patterns in demographic change with continued growth of Hispanics, possibly becoming a majority by about 2030, and the decline in the percentage of the population represented by Anglos.
3. Identify East Texas and major cities as population centers for African Americans and South Texas and along the Mexican border (and, more recently, cities) as population centers for Hispanics.
4. Explain the lack of historical influence of minority groups in Texas, largely as a result of the traditionalistic subculture dominant in the regions where most African Americans and Hispanics were located. Explain the growing political influence of Hispanics and African Americans, including growing numbers of elected officials.