Extreme Poverty

Definition

Extreme poverty is defined as living on less than $1.90 a day, which severely limits access to basic needs such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. This condition leads to a cycle of deprivation, making it difficult for individuals and families to break free from the grips of poverty. The implications of extreme poverty extend beyond the individual, affecting social structures and economic development, contributing to inequality and social exclusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. According to the World Bank, approximately 689 million people were living in extreme poverty as of 2017, which was exacerbated by factors such as conflict, economic downturns, and natural disasters.
2. Extreme poverty is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where many countries struggle with inadequate infrastructure and governance challenges.
3. The lack of access to quality education is both a consequence and a cause of extreme poverty, limiting opportunities for upward mobility and perpetuating the cycle of poverty across generations.
4. Women and children are disproportionately affected by extreme poverty, often facing higher barriers to accessing essential services and economic opportunities.
5. Efforts to combat extreme poverty often include multi-faceted approaches that focus on economic growth, improving education and healthcare access, and promoting social inclusion.

Review Questions

• How does extreme poverty relate to the broader concepts of inequality and social exclusion?
  • Extreme poverty is intricately linked to inequality and social exclusion because it creates a cycle that perpetuates disadvantage. Individuals living in extreme poverty often lack access to the same resources and opportunities as those who are better off, reinforcing socioeconomic divides. This exclusion can limit their ability to participate in decision-making processes and access essential services like education and healthcare, further entrenching their marginalized status within society.
• Evaluate the impact of extreme poverty on women and children in various regions.
  • Extreme poverty significantly impacts women and children, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Women often bear the brunt of economic hardships as they may have limited access to employment opportunities or resources. Additionally, children living in extreme poverty face higher risks of malnutrition and lack of education, which can hinder their development and perpetuate the cycle of poverty for future generations. Addressing these disparities is crucial for breaking the cycle of extreme poverty.
• Discuss how combating extreme poverty can influence economic development on a larger scale.
  • Combating extreme poverty can have profound effects on economic development by fostering inclusive growth. When individuals are lifted out of extreme poverty, they gain access to education and healthcare, improving their productivity and potential contributions to the economy. This can lead to increased consumer spending and overall economic stability. Moreover, reducing extreme poverty can enhance social cohesion and political stability, creating a more favorable environment for investment and sustainable development.

Related terms

Absolute Poverty: A condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information.

Social Exclusion: A process through which individuals or groups are systematically blocked from accessing rights, opportunities, and resources that are normally available to members of society.

Income Inequality: The unequal distribution of income within a population, often leading to significant disparities in wealth and quality of life among different social groups.