Poverty

Definition

Poverty is the state of lacking sufficient financial resources to meet basic living needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. It is not only an economic condition but also encompasses social, political, and cultural dimensions that affect individuals' ability to enjoy their rights, especially in relation to economic, social, and cultural rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Around 9.2% of the world's population lived on less than $1.90 a day as of 2021, a common threshold used to define extreme poverty.
2. Poverty can lead to social exclusion, limiting individuals' access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, thus perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
3. Economic inequality often exacerbates poverty, as wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few while many struggle to meet their basic needs.
4. Addressing poverty is critical for realizing economic, social, and cultural rights, as it directly impacts individuals' ability to fulfill their potential and participate fully in society.
5. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed millions back into poverty, reversing years of progress in reducing global poverty rates and highlighting vulnerabilities in health and economic systems.

Review Questions

• How does poverty affect the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights?
  • Poverty directly undermines the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights by restricting access to essential services like healthcare, education, and adequate living standards. Individuals living in poverty often lack the resources necessary to advocate for their rights or participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. This lack of access not only hinders personal development but also perpetuates systemic inequalities that maintain poverty cycles across generations.
• In what ways can social exclusion contribute to an individual's experience of poverty?
  • Social exclusion can deepen an individual's experience of poverty by isolating them from networks of support and opportunities. When people are marginalized due to factors like race, gender, or disability, they may face additional barriers that prevent them from accessing jobs or social services. This exclusion further limits their ability to improve their financial situation, making it more difficult to escape poverty and reducing their participation in societal activities.
• Evaluate the impact of global initiatives aimed at reducing poverty on achieving economic, social, and cultural rights for affected populations.
  • Global initiatives aimed at reducing poverty have had varying degrees of success in achieving economic, social, and cultural rights for affected populations. For example, initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the need for inclusive growth and equitable access to resources. While these initiatives can mobilize international funding and attention toward poverty reduction efforts, their effectiveness often depends on local implementation strategies and government commitment. Ultimately, successful initiatives can lead to improved living standards, greater access to education and healthcare, and enhanced social participation for impoverished communities.

Related terms

Social Exclusion: The process by which certain individuals or groups are systematically blocked from various rights, opportunities, and resources that are normally available to members of society.

Human Development Index (HDI): A composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators used to rank countries into four tiers of human development.

Food Security: The condition in which all people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.