What is poverty?

Poverty is a complex issue that encompasses numerous economic, social, political,

and environmental factors that can’t be summed up in one post. What this post aims
to do, however, is look at some of the main causes of poverty, who is most affected,
and look at what Dana Asia is doing towards poverty alleviation. No individual can
“solve” poverty, but we can educate ourselves for a better understanding so that
together we can all take small steps towards tackling this global issue.

What are the main causes and social issues of poverty?

While the precise causes of poverty vary depending on the specific context, there
are some common economic, social, political, and environmental factors. Lack of
access to fundamental services like education and healthcare along with lack of
access to jobs make it very difficult for people to earn a living enough to provide for
their basic needs. Education is essential for people to get good jobs and earn a
living. However, in developing countries, many children do not have access to
quality education. This is due to a number of factors, such as poverty, lack of
schools, and gender discrimination. In many developing countries, there are not
enough jobs to meet the demand due to a number of factors, such as rapid
population growth, economic instability, and lack of investment.

Social factors causing poverty

Commonly seen in many impoverished countries, social factors like discrimination
and gender inequality contribute to poverty by preventing people from participating
fully in society and creating a barrier to opportunities. People who are discriminated
against, such as women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, are more
likely to live in poverty because they often have less access to opportunities and
resources.Countries with high levels of corruption, conflict, and political instability
make it difficult to invest and grow businesses and cause under or unemployment,
which can lead to poverty. Conflict can destroy infrastructure, disrupt livelihoods,
and displace people

Environmental factors causing poverty

Finally, environmental factors like climate change, natural disasters, and
environmental degradation can disrupt livelihoods and make it difficult for people to
access essential resources. Climate change is already having a negative impact on
people’s lives all around the world, but the effects are felt more in the developing
world. Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, such as typhoons,
droughts and floods, which can destroy crops and homes leading to poverty and
displacement.
Who is most affected by poverty?
Women
For women in developing countries, gender disparities in income, education, and
access to resources can result in higher rates of poverty. Working women often earn
less than men for the same work or due to occupational segregation. Alternatively,
women in impoverished households often shoulder the burden of unpaid care work,
including childcare, care of elderly relatives, and household chores, which can limit
their ability to pursue education and employment. Single mothers, who often
experience higher poverty rates, may face additional challenges in balancing work
and caregiving responsibilities. Due to these reasons, women may face higher rates
of unemployment or underemployment, making it difficult to secure stable, well-
paying jobs. Women are also less likely to own property or have access to financial
resources like savings and credit.
In many regions, girls have less access to quality education than boys, which can
limit their future earning potential and economic independence. In some
communities, poverty can lead to early marriage for girls in some cultures, which
often interrupts their education. Women in poverty may have limited access to
healthcare services, including maternal and reproductive health services, and health
disparities due to poverty can affect women’s well-being and life expectancy. FInally,
political and social factors can impact women. Women in poverty may have less
political representation and participation, which can affect their ability to advocate for
policies that address their specific needs. Discriminatory social norms and practices
can limit women’s economic opportunities and access to resources.

Poverty in rural populations

In rural populations, poverty rates tend to be higher due to more limited access to
jobs, education, and healthcare. On average, rural populations tend to have lower
incomes than urban populations, which can contribute to higher poverty rates. Rural
areas may have fewer employment opportunities, especially for skilled jobs, which
can result in higher unemployment rates. Many rural economies are tied to
agriculture, which often provides seasonal and low-wage employment. Rural
livelihoods can be susceptible to income volatility due to factors like weather
conditions, crop yields, and market fluctuations. Rural poverty is often closely linked
to the challenges faced by small-scale farmers, including access to credit, modern
farming techniques, and markets for their products. Rural areas often have limited
access to healthcare and education services and may lack adequate infrastructure,
including roads, electricity, and sanitation, which can hinder economic development.
Limited public transportation options can make it difficult for rural residents to access
jobs, healthcare, and education in nearby towns or cities. Rural areas may have
limited access to the internet and technology, which can impede access to
information, educational resources, and online job opportunities.
Poverty among under/unemployed and low-skilled groups
Underemployed and low-skilled workers are at high risk of falling into poverty or
remaining in poverty with low wages and lack of job security. Underemployed and
low-skilled workers typically earn lower wages than those with higher skills and more
secure employment. This often results in insufficient income to meet basic needs,
including housing, food, and healthcare. Irregular work hours can lead to income
volatility and limited access to benefits like sick leave, paid vacation, and retirement
plans make it difficult to budget and save money. Low-skilled jobs often offer few
opportunities for career advancement or skill development, which can lead to
stagnated earning potential. Many low-skilled jobs do not offer job training,
educational opportunities, or health insurance, making it challenging for workers to
improve their circumstances. Dana Asia promotes sustainable livelihood creation,
increasing access to the financial services and training aspiring entrepreneurs need
to start their own businesses and take control of their earning potential.

How can we reduce poverty?

Poverty is a complex problem with no easy solutions and it may be difficult for us as
individuals to see how we can help. However, there are a number of small actions
that anyone can take to contribute to the fight against poverty.

1. Educate yourself and the people around you: Learn about the causes of poverty
in your community and globally. Understanding the issue is the first step in
addressing it effectively. Use your voice and platforms to raise awareness about
poverty-related issues. Educate your friends, family, and community about the
challenges faced by those living in poverty.
2. Support local initiatives: Take an interest and get involved with local organisations
and initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, such as food banks, homeless
shelters, job training programs, and educational support services. Volunteering your
time or resources can make a significant impact.
3. Support fair trade and ethical consumerism: Choose to purchase products from
companies that promote fair labour practices and ethical supply chains. This can
help create demand for fair wages and working conditions.
4. Donate to charitable organisations: Contribute through monetary donations or
time to reputable charities and NGOs that work on poverty alleviation projects.
Research organisations to ensure your donations are used effectively and
transparently.
5. Raise awareness: Use your voice and platforms to raise awareness about poverty-
related issues. Educate your friends, family, and community about the challenges
faced by those living in poverty.
6. Engage in sustainable practices: Advocate for sustainable development practices
that address environmental issues and promote economic growth that benefits
marginalised communities.

Poverty is a global issue and requires multi-sector action by governments, the private sector,
NGOs, and individuals. Poverty reduction is a long-term endeavour but our individual actions,
when combined with those of others, can contribute to positive change. Collaborating with local
and global efforts can create a more inclusive and equitable society.
SUMMARIZE OF POVERTY:
Poverty is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the
financial resources and other essentials for a minimum standard of living.
Poverty-stricken people and families might go without proper housing,
clean water, healthy food, and medical attention.-And poverty is one who
lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material
possessions. Poverty is said to exist when people lack the means to
satisfy their basic needs. In this context, the identification of poor people
first requires a determination of what constitutes basic needs.