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Poor White

Definition:

Poor White refers to a term historically used in the United States to describe individuals who are both of European descent and experiencing poverty or lower socioeconomic status.

Parts of Speech:

• Adjective: The poor white neighborhood lacked basic amenities.
• Noun: Many poor whites struggled to make a living during the Great Depression.
• Plural noun: The poor whites faced discrimination due to their socioeconomic status.

Senses:

1. Historical sense: Refers to European Americans who were impoverished.
2. Socioeconomic sense: Describes individuals of European descent experiencing poverty or low-income status.

Usages:

In historical and contemporary contexts, the term "poor white" can have both popular and local usages:

Popular Usage:

1. The phrase "poor white" gained popularity during the Great Depression to portray the struggles of impoverished individuals of European ancestry.

2. In popular usage today, the term refers to economically disadvantaged European Americans.

Local Usage:

1. In certain regions, "poor white" can be used to describe a distinct cultural group with specific customs and traditions.

2. Locally, the term might be employed to highlight the unique challenges faced by white individuals in low-income rural communities.

Sample Sentences:

• The documentary shed light on the hardships faced by poor white families in the early 20th century.
• Despite their struggles, poor whites have exhibited resilience and resourcefulness throughout history.
• He grew up in a poor white neighborhood, where opportunities were scarce.

Related Products:

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• Poverty in America
• Books on the Great Depression
• Rural Poverty