Urban poverty

Definition

Urban poverty refers to the state of being poor within a city or urban area, where individuals and families struggle to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This type of poverty is often exacerbated by factors like high living costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to services, which can lead to social exclusion and marginalization. Urban poverty is closely linked to rapid urbanization and the growth of megacities, where the influx of people often outpaces the availability of resources and job opportunities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Urban poverty affects millions worldwide, with the United Nations estimating that over 1 billion people live in slums or informal settlements in urban areas.
2. Factors contributing to urban poverty include unemployment, underemployment, lack of education, and insufficient access to social services such as healthcare and housing.
3. Urban areas often have higher living costs compared to rural areas, making it more challenging for low-income families to afford basic necessities.
4. The growth of megacities has led to an increase in urban poverty as infrastructure development struggles to keep pace with population growth.
5. Social exclusion is a significant consequence of urban poverty, leading to disparities in health outcomes, education access, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

Review Questions

• How does rapid urbanization contribute to the prevalence of urban poverty in megacities?
  • Rapid urbanization leads to an influx of people moving to megacities in search of better opportunities. However, this sudden increase in population often overwhelms existing infrastructure and public services. As a result, many newcomers find themselves without adequate housing, jobs, or access to basic necessities, increasing the levels of urban poverty. This situation creates a cycle where poverty becomes entrenched as resources become scarce.
• What role does the informal economy play in providing livelihoods for those experiencing urban poverty?
  • The informal economy serves as a crucial source of income for many individuals living in urban poverty. It includes unregulated jobs such as street vending, domestic work, and casual labor that provide essential earnings when formal employment opportunities are lacking. While these jobs can offer flexibility and immediate income, they often come without job security or benefits. This reliance on informal work highlights the precarious nature of survival for those trapped in urban poverty.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of urban poverty on social cohesion and economic development in cities.
  • Urban poverty can severely undermine social cohesion and economic development within cities. When large segments of the population are excluded from accessing basic services and opportunities, it creates divisions and tensions within communities. This lack of integration can lead to increased crime rates and social unrest, making it difficult for cities to thrive economically. Furthermore, without investing in education and infrastructure for impoverished populations, cities may miss out on potential human capital that could contribute positively to overall economic growth.

Related terms

Megacity: A megacity is an urban area with a population of over 10 million people, characterized by significant economic, cultural, and social diversity.

Informal Economy: The informal economy consists of unregulated and unofficial employment and business activities that are not monitored by the government, often providing income for those in urban poverty.

Slum: A slum is a densely populated urban area characterized by substandard housing, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, and a lack of basic services, often home to those living in urban poverty.