Meaning of Poverty
Poverty is a state or situation in which a person or a group of people don’t have enough money or the basic things they need to live.
Basic necessities of life: Food; Housing; Clothing; Clean water; Sanitation; Healthcare; Education etc
Definitions by International Organisations
1. The United Nations defines poverty as a denial of choices and opportunities, a violation of human dignity. It encompasses the inability to participate effectively in society, lacking sufficient resources which include food and clothing, access to education or healthcare, secure land for food cultivation, or find employment to sustain a living. It also makes individuals and communities more vulnerable to violence and often forces them to live in marginal or fragile environments without clean water or sanitation.
2. The World Bank describes poverty as severe deprivation in well-being, encompassing multiple dimensions. It involves low incomes and the inability to acquire essential goods and services necessary for a dignified survival. Additionally, poverty includes poor health and education levels, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, lack of physical security, absence of a voice in society, and insufficient capacity and opportunities to improve one’s life.
Causes of Poverty
1. Economic Factors
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- Unemployment and Underemployment: Lack of jobs or insufficiently paying jobs limit individuals’ ability to earn a stable income.
- Economic inequality: Disparities in wealth and income distribution can lead to significant portions of the population being impoverished.
- Economic instability: Economic crises, inflation, and recessions can exacerbate poverty levels.
- Agricultural issues: Outdated practices, lack of technology, and weather uncertainties.
2. Social Factors
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- Education: Lack of access to quality education reduces opportunities for economic advancement and can perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
- Healthcare: Poor health and lack of access to healthcare can drain financial resources and reduce the ability to work.
- Discrimination and social exclusion: Marginalized groups (e.g., based on race, gender, ethnicity, disability) often face barriers to opportunities and resources.
- Rural-Urban divide: Leading to inadequate capabilities to create rural jobs.
3. Political Factors
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- Governance and corruption: Poor governance, corruption, and lack of political will impede economic development and the fair distribution of resources.
- Policy failures: Inadequate or poorly designed social and economic policies can fail to address poverty effectively.
4. Environmental Factors
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- Natural disasters: Events such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes can destroy livelihoods and homes, pushing people into poverty.
- Climate change: Long-term changes in climate patterns can disrupt agricultural productivity and lead to food insecurity.
5. Structural Factors
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- Infrastructure: Lack of infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply can hinder economic activities and access to essential services.
- Market access: Limited access to markets for goods and labour can constrain economic opportunities.
6. Historical Factors
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- Colonialism: Historical exploitation and imposition of unequal structures have long-lasting effects on poverty in many regions.
- Conflict and war: Armed conflicts destroy infrastructure, disrupt economies, and displace populations, leading to increased poverty.
7. Individual and Household Factors
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- Family dynamics: Large family sizes and high dependency ratios can strain household resources.
- Personal factors: Lack of skills, disabilities, and chronic illnesses can limit individuals’ ability to secure employment and stable income.
