Dimensions of Multiple Deprivation

There is a close relationship between poverty and deprivation and other dimensions of urban
decline. We can illustrate this with reference to a number of particular issues.
Crime
Crime and poverty are prevalent issues in countries all around the world. According to Sison
(2014), crimes are committed due to extreme hunger and for poorly economic reasons. In the Philippines,
Manila stands out as the city with the highest crime rate. Its dense population, coupled with widespread
poverty and unemployment, fosters an environment ripe for criminal activities like theft, robbery and
drug trafficking. In such dire circumstances, many individuals are compelled to resort to crime as a means
of survival, particularly given the challenges of supporting large families with limited job opportunities.
Research confirmed that crime rates are higher in poorer neighborhoods and in areas with higher
population density, deteriorated living condition, and many unemployed members of the labor force.

What is the difference between deprivation and poverty?

Poverty and deprivation are two closely related concepts that often overlap. Poverty is
defined as the lack of basic necessities, such as food, water, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.
Deprivation is defined as the lack of access to resources and opportunities that are essential for a
dignified life.

Health

Poverty means increased exposure to infectious diseases and poorer health. Some
research found that residents of impoverished communities are at increased risk for mental
illness, chronic disease, higher mortality, and lower life expectancy due to poverty.

Philippines, in a similar way to other developing countries, is experiencing in rapid

urbanization, resulting in the growth of slums and informal settlements where people live under
appalling conditions of poverty and deprivation. People in these settlements live in substandard
housing with inadequate water supply, sanitation, and other basic necessities. Such
circumstances restrict access to essential resources such as nutritious food, secure shelter,
conducive learning environments, clean water and air, utilities, and other elements essential for
maintaining a decent standard of living. Poverty has significant effects on people's health. Some
key impacts include:

 Malnutrition: Lack of access to nutritious food leads to malnutrition, particularly among

children, resulting in stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased
susceptibility to diseases.
 Limited access to healthcare: Poverty restricts access to healthcare services,
medications, and preventive measures. Many individuals cannot afford regular check-ups
or necessary treatments, leading to untreated illnesses and higher mortality rates.
  Poor sanitation and hygiene: In impoverished communities, access to clean water and
proper sanitation facilities is limited, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as
diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever.
 Overcrowded living conditions: Poverty often forces families to live in overcrowded
and unsanitary conditions, which facilitate the spread of communicable diseases such as
tuberculosis and respiratory infections.
 Lack of education: Limited access to education, which is common among impoverished
populations, contributes to a lack of health literacy, leading to poor health-seeking
behaviors and ineffective disease prevention strategies.
 Mental health issues: Poverty can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression due to
financial instability, inadequate housing, and social marginalization, exacerbating
existing health problems and reducing overall well-being.

Addressing poverty through socioeconomic interventions, improved access to healthcare,

sanitation, education, and employment opportunities is crucial to mitigating its detrimental
effects on the health of people in the Philippines.

GENDER (Single Parent)

What is single mother?

A single mother is a woman who does not have a husband or partner and is responsible
for raising her child or children on her own. This term can encompass mothers who have
children from previous marriages or relationships, as well as mothers who have never been
married. Single mothers can also include widowed or divorced women who are raising their
children without a spouse or partner. In a 2022 Household Assessment conducted by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Pantawid Pamilya
Program's National Household Targeting System, or Listahanan, 64.3%, or 364,494 families,
were reported to have been headed by solo parents out of 15.5 million households assessed.
Most had been on income support for several years and few had any other source of
income. Women in families with no wage-earner, low-paid woman, non-employed women
wholly dependent on others, and homeless women must all be added to the category of those
vulnerable to poverty. Women's risk of poverty also reflects different life-cycle stages with child
rearing and caring work when out of the labor market, and low-paid and insecure employment
when economically active, limiting their earning capacity and restricting their ability to provide
for old age.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF DEPRIVATION

What is urban deprivation in geography?
Urban deprivation - A standard of living below that of the majority in a particular society that
involves hardships and lack of access to resources. Places suffering from urban deprivation have
visible differences in housing and economic opportunities with the rich living alongside poor
people.
Inner City
The inner city refers to the central part of a city, usually characterized by older buildings,
higher population density, and a mix of residential and commercial areas. The inner city is
typically closer to the city center and may have a higher level of diversity in terms of
demographics and socioeconomic status.

Some common inner-city problems include:

1. Poverty and income inequality: Inner cities often have higher rates of poverty and
income inequality compared to other areas, leading to social disparities and limited
access to resources.
2. Crime and violence: Inner cities may experience higher rates of crime and violence,
including gang activity, drug trafficking, and interpersonal violence.
3. Dilapidated infrastructure: Aging infrastructure, including deteriorating buildings, roads,
and public facilities, can be a significant problem in inner cities.
4. Lack of affordable housing: Inner cities may face challenges with providing affordable
and adequate housing for residents, leading to issues of homelessness and housing
instability.
5. Limited access to quality education and healthcare: Inner cities often have inadequate
schools and healthcare facilities, resulting in disparities in education and health
outcomes.

Outer City
The outer city, on the other hand, refers to the areas that are farther away from the city
center. These areas are often more suburban or rural in nature, with lower population density,
newer developments, and more open spaces. The outer city may have a different demographic
makeup compared to the inner city, with a focus on residential neighborhoods and more
amenities like parks and schools.

In contrast, some common outer city problems include:

1. Urban sprawl and traffic congestion: Suburban areas may experience issues with urban
sprawl, leading to increased traffic congestion and longer commute times for residents.
2. Lack of public transportation: Suburban and rural areas often have limited public
transportation options, making it difficult for residents to access essential services and
travel efficiently.
3. Limited access to services: Residents in outer cities may have limited access to essential
services such as healthcare, grocery stores, and community centers due to lower
population density and development patterns.
4. Social isolation: Suburban and rural areas may face challenges with social isolation and
lack of community cohesion, as residents are more spread out and may have fewer
opportunities for social interaction.
5. Environmental concerns: Outer cities may be affected by environmental issues such as
pollution, loss of green spaces, and challenges with waste management and sustainability.
References:
Asian Century Institute - Impact of Disease on the Philippines’ development.
(n.d.). https://asiancenturyinstitute.com/development/390-impact-of-disease-on-the-philippines-
development?fbclid=IwAR3lZAv96ypfEn5c_VOjqkclb-9oxXKlXDpk0saVPRy6R8Wf-
SiegOzAuW4

Argosino, F. (2023, September 8). PH crime rate down by 8% from January to September 2023
— PNP | Inquirer News. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1828346/ph-crime-rate-
down-by-8-from-january-to-september-2023-pnp

ipl.org. (2021, February 18). Causes of crime in the

Philippines. https://www.ipl.org/essay/Causes-Of-Crime-In-The-Philippines-
FKEFWVH4ACFR?
fbclid=IwAR02F8dGbU_mIMTkjSFE9S3QKyPumM6IoBRCHFM3qsXo_wQJ7Yj_Y063puk

Asia in focus: Poverty in the Philippines. (n.d.). Compassion

Australia. https://www.compassion.com.au/blog/asia-in-focus-poverty-in-the-philippines

Testbook. (2023, November 11). Poverty and deprivation - types, differences, data and impact.
Urban change. (n.d.).
https://www.coolgeography.co.uk/advanced/Urban_change.php#:~:text=Urban%20deprivation
%20%2D%20A%20standard%20of,rich%20living%20alongside%20poor%20people.

Lee, D. (2024, February 7). Single Mother Statistics (UPDATED 2023)

https://singlemotherguide.com/single-mother-statistics/#:~:text=Today%201%20in
%205%20children,being%20raised%20without%20a%20father.&text=According%20to
%20U.S.%20Census%20Bureau,A%20third%20lived%20in%20poverty.