Poverty is one of humanity's oldest and most persistent social problems. Throughout history, societies have faced a lack of resources and economic inequalities that lead to deprivation and hardship. In the 21st century, poverty remains a global challenge, affecting millions of people on all continents and limiting opportunities for personal, social and economic growth. This article will look at the different dimensions of poverty, its causes, consequences and efforts to eradicate it.
Definition and Types of Poverty.
Poverty is not limited to a lack of money. Although lack of income is a central factor, poverty also encompasses other deprivations related to education, health, housing, food and access to basic services. There are different ways of conceptualizing poverty:
- Absolute poverty: This refers to the lack of resources necessary to meet basic needs, such as food, housing and clothing. According to the World Bank, people who live on less than $1.90 a day are considered to be in extreme poverty. This measure is used to assess poverty in developing countries, where income levels are particularly low.
- Relative poverty: Relative poverty refers to the situation of people whose income is considerably lower than that of the average in the society in which they live. In this case, people do not necessarily go hungry or lack housing, but they find themselves in a situation of social exclusion due to economic inequality.
- Multidimensional poverty: This form of poverty takes into account several indicators, not just income. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures deprivations in aspects such as health, education and standard of living, which allows a more complete understanding of the phenomenon.
Causes of Poverty.
Poverty is a complex and multi-causal phenomenon. There is no single reason that explains why Poverty is not experienced by just some people or societies, but by a combination of historical, economic, social and political factors. Some of the main causes are detailed below:
- Economic inequality: The concentration of wealth in the hands of a minority and the unequal distribution of resources are key factors that perpetuate poverty. In many societies, economic opportunities are concentrated among certain groups, while others are marginalized and have difficulty accessing well-paying jobs.
- Lack of education: Education is one of the most important factors in social mobility. People who do not have access to quality education or who drop out of school at an early age often have more difficulty finding employment and escaping poverty.
- Unemployment and precarious employment: Unemployment is one of the most direct causes of poverty. Without a job, people do not have a stable source of income that allows them to meet their basic needs. Moreover, in many cases, even if people have jobs, wages are so low that they do not allow them to escape poverty. This is especially true in economies where informal employment predominates.
- Structural factors: Poverty can also be the result of failed economic policies, government corruption, wars or internal conflicts. Political instability and lack of adequate infrastructure hinder economic growth and perpetuate poverty.
- Lack of access to basic services: In many parts of the world, especially in rural areas of developing countries, people do not have access to safe drinking water, sanitation, health care or electricity. This lack of essential services limits quality of life and hinders development opportunities.
- Climate change and natural disasters: Climate change is exacerbating poverty in many regions, especially in the most vulnerable countries. Droughts, floods and other extreme weather events destroy crops, homes and sources of income, forcing millions of people to live in extreme poverty.
Consequences of Poverty.
Poverty has a devastating impact on people's lives and on society as a whole. Some of the main consequences of this social problem are described below:
- Health problems: People living in poverty have limited access to quality health care, which increases the risk of preventable diseases. Malnutrition is common among people living in poverty, leading to problems with physical and cognitive development, especially in children.
- Low educational attainment: Children who grow up in poor households are less likely to complete their education. They often have to work from an early age to support their families, limiting their opportunities to obtain a formal education and break out of the cycle of poverty.
- Social exclusion: Poverty not only affects a person's income, but also their participation in social life. People living in poverty often feel marginalized and excluded from social, political and economic activities, which reinforces their vulnerability.
- Limited economic growth: Poverty holds back a country's economic development. When a large percentage of the population lives in poverty, the country cannot fully exploit its productive potential. This results in slower economic growth and lower global competitiveness.
- Violence and crime: Poverty can also be linked to higher rates of violence and crime. People living in poverty often turn to illegal activities as a way to survive or improve their economic situation, creating a cycle of insecurity.
Efforts to Eradicate Poverty.
Over the years, numerous policies and programs have been implemented to reduce and eradicate poverty, both nationally and internationally. Some of the most notable initiatives include:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The United Nations has established the SDGs, a set of 17 global goals aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all. The first goal of this agenda is to end poverty in all its forms by 2030.
- Cash transfer programs: Many countries have implemented cash transfer programs, such as "Bolsa Familia" in Brazil or "Oportunidades" in Mexico, which provide money directly to poor families in order to improve their living conditions and promote education and health.
- Education and vocational training: Investing in people's education is essential to reducing poverty. Many programmes focus on improving the quality of education in rural areas and providing training for employment.
- Access to basic services: Expanding access to basic services such as clean water, electricity and health care is essential to improving the living conditions of people living in poverty. Investments in infrastructure in the most disadvantaged areas can make a significant difference.
- Promoting gender equality: Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty. Implementing policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay, education for girls and access to reproductive health services, is essential to combat poverty.
Poverty is a complex global challenge that affects millions of people around the world. Its causes are diverse, from lack of education to economic inequality, and its consequences are devastating for individuals and society as a whole. Although significant progress has been made in the fight against poverty, much remains to be done to eradicate it completely. Only through a coordinated approach that includes improving access to education, health, employment and basic services, as well as the elimination of poverty, can poverty be overcome? such as reducing economic inequality, we can move towards a world without poverty.