What is the definition of poverty?

Oliver Mitchell | 2023-06-09 09:19:09 | page views:1737
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Oliver Kim

Works at the International Maritime Organization, Lives in London, UK.
As an expert in the field of social sciences, I would like to provide a comprehensive definition of poverty. Poverty is a complex and multifaceted issue that encompasses a range of social, economic, and political dimensions. It is not merely a lack of financial resources but also involves the absence of opportunities and the inability to participate fully in society.

Absolute poverty, also known as extreme poverty or destitution, is a state where individuals or families lack the basic necessities required for survival. This includes essentials such as food, clothing, and shelter. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $1.90 a day, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which is a measure that accounts for differences in the cost of living between countries.

However, poverty is not solely about income or wealth. It also involves social exclusion, limited access to education and healthcare, and a lack of social services and support networks.
Relative poverty is a measure that compares individuals or households to the average income level in a society. It is often defined as living on less than 50% or 60% of the median income of a country, which means that the poor are unable to afford a minimum standard of living compared to others in that society.

Poverty is also characterized by a lack of power and influence. The poor often have little to no say in the decisions that affect their lives, whether it be in the political arena or in their local communities. This lack of power perpetuates a cycle of poverty, as it limits opportunities for social and economic mobility.

Education plays a significant role in poverty. Those who are impoverished often have limited access to quality education, which in turn reduces their chances of escaping poverty. Education is a key factor in improving one's economic status and breaking the cycle of poverty.

Healthcare is another critical aspect of poverty. The poor often lack access to adequate healthcare services, which can lead to a deterioration of their health and a further decline in their quality of life. Poor health can also limit an individual's ability to work and earn an income, thus perpetuating poverty.

Poverty is also linked to environmental factors. Those living in poverty are often more vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation and climate change, as they may lack the resources to adapt or recover from natural disasters.

Gender is another dimension of poverty. Women and girls are often disproportionately affected by poverty due to gender inequality and discrimination. They may have less access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which can exacerbate their poverty.

In conclusion, poverty is a multifaceted issue that requires a multifaceted solution. Addressing poverty involves not only increasing financial resources but also improving access to education, healthcare, social services, and opportunities for social and economic mobility. It also involves empowering the poor and ensuring that they have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.


2024-05-14 11:12:08

Sophia Martinez

Studied at the University of Oxford, Lives in Madrid.
Poverty is a multifaceted concept, which may include social, economic, and political elements. Absolute poverty, extreme poverty, or destitution refers to the complete lack of the means necessary to meet basic personal needs such as food, clothing and shelter.
2023-06-10 09:19:09

Skylar Gonzales

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Poverty is a multifaceted concept, which may include social, economic, and political elements. Absolute poverty, extreme poverty, or destitution refers to the complete lack of the means necessary to meet basic personal needs such as food, clothing and shelter.
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