The Real Cost of Living in 2008

The Real Cost of Living in 2008, while quite lengthy, is a rather useful tool. It aids in our understanding of the economically diverse demographics of the state of New Jersey. As mentioned in the document, the self-sufficiency standard measures the actual cost of living in New Jersey. The self-sufficiency standard is used a means of comparison to the poverty level.

To start, coastal states tend to be much more densely populated that those further inland. New Jersey faces the issue of overpopulation in a handful of its counties. The state is also known for its heightened diversity. By diversity I’m referring to its sociocultural differences, dependent on both differences in heritage and geographical differences. In New Jersey, many new immigrants flock to a neighborhood that will make their transition easier to handle (as with most locations throughout history). In Marlboro (the town I grew up in), for example, most of my fellow residents were either Italians or Eastern Europeans, many of whom originated in Brooklyn. Prior to that I was living in Edison, where the majority of residents are of Asian origin. Head further north to Passaic, and you will find a heavily Latino community. Unfortunately, communities heavy in minority tend to be more likely to face greater economic instability. If one generation cannot fund education for the next, the cycle will continue. Fortunately our society values education as highly as it does, paving the way for a much improved devotion to working around the issue. That being said education is certainly not equal across the board, as many communities cannot afford the same luxuries as others.

In addition to the cultural differences the state contains, there are typical familial differences to contend with as well. Not all families are set up the same. Some may have two parents and two kids; some may be single parents with three kids. Though less common but still possible, there are families in which grandparents are added to the household as well. The number of people in the household will greatly increase ones cost of living. This document emphasizes the self-sufficiency standard for those who are single parents. For that reason, it does not help us to understand other family types to the same extent. The poverty level, according to the article, is a bit too low, that being said there are still families who fit the mold. What this article will help to do is to show us which families may better benefit from extra educational assistance. We as educators must make our own efforts to narrow the gap, to improve the education experience, so job attainment will be made easier, and provide more stable pay.