The social welfare policy and services II class conducted a poverty simulation from March 24-27. Approximately 35 students participated in the simulation in which they were allowed to spend only $3 each day. Money not used each day was rolled over to the next day. The simulation was done to demonstrate to students how much money those who live on welfare are given each month.
The $3 could be spent on everyday necessities like driving and food. Other costs that are normally covered by Harding housing, like showers, were also factored into the $3 students could spend each day.
Junior social work major Amber Walker said the adjustments she was forced to make to her lifestyle were very noticeable.
“Even in the span of four days, I could feel myself making dramatic adjustments to keep up with being impoverished,” Walker said. “It really hit me hardest when I had to tell my friends ‘no’ when they asked to hang out off campus because I didn’t have the money to do anything outside of eating. This project really gave me insight to what it’s like to be impoverished, even if it was only hitting the tip of the iceberg.”
Junior social work major Molly Gammon, along with the other students in the class, kept a poverty journal of the week. She said the first day was not as bad as she had expected, but the days following became more of a struggle. By the last day, Gammon was tired and low on energy.
“Once you’re out of money, you’re out,” Gammon said. “Every single thing you use, you pay for.”
Below is Gammon’s poverty journal in which she details how and on what she spent her money each day of the simulation.
Monday, March 24.
Today was more difficult because I had to afford taking a shower, so I didn’t have enough money for three meals. As the sun starts going down, my tummy is rumbling.
Wednesday, March 26.
Today I was really tired. I guess my body knows that I am not getting the normal amount of nutrients, so I have no energy. Today was easier with food, being able to swipe into the caf and find something cheap for dinner. I have been very tired all day. I also have realized that after eating a little better today than I did yesterday, I feel sick after eating.
Thursday, March 27.
Today wasn’t so bad. I managed my money well, and I found cheap things to eat. It was a successful day.
“It hasn’t been terrible. It is a nice eye opener,” Gammon said. “People do this all the time; I can look forward to tomorrow because this week will have ended, but other people don’t have that opportunity.”
