Issues
Educational
Children may face a variety of issues when attaining education, and these challenges can be related to both political and socioeconomic conditions. One of the most significant problems of recent decades has been the inclusion of children with disabilities into the educational system. Specifically, the inclusion of children with disabilities in physical education has drawn particular interest from both scholars and practitioners (Wilhelmsen & Sørensen, 2017). Research suggests that teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion play an essential role – they significantly impact their intentions to include children with disabilities (Wilhelmsen & Sørensen, 2017). Another important factor is teachers’ perceived readiness for inclusion – most teachers feel they do not have the professional capacity to provide adapted physical education to children with disabilities (Wilhelmsen & Sørensen, 2017). Lack of inclusion has many implications, spanning from mental outcomes to children’s success in social and academic life.
Political
Racism has always been an issue in the United States, and its effects on marginalized communities have been a subject of many studies. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has shown how institutionalized racism toward racial and ethnic minorities impacts their health (Abman et al., 2020). The number of cases is considerably disproportionate between different races. Research suggests that Blacks, Native Americans, and Mexicans are more susceptible to disease, have higher morbidity rates, and have a higher chance of developing a chronic condition during their childhood (Abman et al., 2020). This inequality is reflected in unequal access to health coverage and services and social and economic injustice (Abman et al., 2020). Because the issue is complicated and broad, changes must be implemented on a national level, which means politicians are key figures in addressing institutionalized racism.
Economic
Childhood poverty is a global and ubiquitous issue because it is present even in developed countries. It affects children in a variety of ways, including malnutrition, limited access to educational opportunities, and consequent problems when looking for work (Evans, 2016). Malnutrition, alone, may have a significant impact on a child’s future (Evans, 2016). There is evidence that children growing in poverty has a higher risk of developing chronic mental issues (Evans, 2016). The majority of adults that die prematurely have been indicated to be disadvantaged during their childhood (Evans, 2016). Research suggests that individuals from low-income families often have chronic psychological stress and constant aggression (Evans, 2016). Also, brain development in children in poverty is limited, which impacts their success in adulthood. In summary, poverty has a holistic impact on the health and development of children.
Organizations
Move United is a non-profit organization based in Rockville, Maryland that aims to bring sports to the lives of individuals with special needs. It brings together both youth and adults and offers them participation in over 50 sport disciplines (Our mission, 2020). The organization and its partners function in 40 states across the nation (Our mission, 2020). While it does not explicitly solve the issue of inclusion of children in physical education at schools, it complements the absence of physical activities among children with disabilities. According to statistics, more than 100,000 individuals are impacted by the actions of Move United annually (Our mission, 2020). The primary advantage is the fact that Move United operates through community-based chapters, which means it can reach all strata of the population.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in 1909 to address the issues associated with institutional racism toward Black people in the United States. Today, this civil rights organization fights for equality in education, economic, social, and political landscapes (About the NAACP, 2020). It also informs about the adverse consequences of systemic racism for marginalized individuals and communities (About the NAACP, 2020). The NAACP achieves its objectives through political advocacy and community participation (About the NAACP, 2020). It also provides scholarships to children that need funding to attain education.
End Child Poverty is a campaign that aims to reduce child poverty in the United States by 50% within the next ten years. This mission is led by the U.S. Child Poverty Action Group, an assembly of anti-poverty organizations in the country. The primary element of their roadmap is making families more economically competitive so they can provide their children with adequate nutrition and education (About the End Child Poverty U.S. campaign, 2020). The campaign also monitors political leaders and their dedication to ending child poverty (About the End Child Poverty U.S. campaign, 2020). Voters can consult the campaign’s website to attain information about each presidential candidate and how they are aiming to end child poverty.
Reflection
Humanity has already entered the 21st century – the era of technology and economic development. In this context, it is shameful to need to discuss issues like the inclusion of individuals with special needs, racism, and childhood poverty. These problems should have been solved a century ago, which is why I am personally interested in the mentioned topics. To solve these issues, people first need to end discrimination. All of the discussed problems are caused by racism and intolerance in one way or another. Instead of spending a trillion dollars on the military, the government needs to fund schools, universities, and social programs.
References
Abman, S. H., Bogue, C. W., Baker, S., Carlo, W., Daniels, S. R., Debaun, M. R., Fike, C., Gordon C. M., Leonard, M. B., Steinhorn, R. H., & Walker-Harding, L. R. (2020). Racism and social injustice as determinants of child health: the American Pediatric Society Issue of the Year. Pediatric Research, 88(5), 691-693.
About the End Child Poverty U.S. campaign. (2020). End Child Poverty.
About the NAACP. (2020). National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Evans, G. W. (2016). Childhood poverty and adult psychological well-being. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(52), 14949-14952.
Our mission. (2020). Move United.
Wilhelmsen, T., & Sørensen, M. (2017). Inclusion of children with disabilities in physical education: A systematic review of literature from 2009 to 2015. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 34(3), 311-337. Web.