why is poverty considered a multi diamensional problem Related: Chapt...
Poverty is multi-dimensional problem. As per the official concept of poverty, a person is considered poor if his or her income falls below a given minimum level. But human poverty is not confined to economic factors alone. With development, the definitions of what constitutes poverty also changes. The official definition of poverty considers only a minimum subsistence level of living rather than a reasonable level of living. Many scholars advocate that the concept of human poverty must be broadened and should be looked through other social indicators like - illiteracy level, lack of general resistance due to mal-nutrition, lack of access to resources like health-care, safe drinking water, job opportunities, sanitation, lack of self-confidence without social equality etc.
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why is poverty considered a multi diamensional problem Related: Chapt...
Introduction:
Poverty is a complex and multi-dimensional problem that affects various aspects of an individual's life. It is not merely about the lack of income or financial resources but encompasses a wide range of interconnected factors. Understanding poverty as a multi-dimensional problem helps in formulating effective policies and interventions to address its root causes and alleviate its impact.
Multiple Dimensions of Poverty:
1. Income and Consumption:
- Lack of income and inadequate access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare contribute to poverty.
- Poverty is often measured in terms of income or consumption levels, but this alone cannot capture the complete picture.
2. Education:
- Lack of access to quality education and low literacy rates perpetuate poverty.
- Education is crucial in breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty as it equips individuals with knowledge and skills for better employment opportunities.
3. Health and Nutrition:
- Poor health and malnutrition are both causes and consequences of poverty.
- Lack of access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare facilities, and nutritious food leads to increased vulnerability to diseases and hampers overall development.
4. Employment and Livelihood:
- Insufficient employment opportunities, low wages, and underemployment contribute to poverty.
- Lack of productive and sustainable livelihood options prevents individuals from escaping poverty.
5. Gender Inequality:
- Gender discrimination and unequal access to resources exacerbate poverty.
- Women and girls face additional challenges in terms of limited educational and economic opportunities, leading to their increased vulnerability to poverty.
6. Social Exclusion and Discrimination:
- Marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities, indigenous communities, and disabled individuals often face discrimination and exclusion, making them more prone to poverty.
- Social exclusion denies them equal opportunities and access to resources, further perpetuating poverty.
Interconnectedness:
These dimensions of poverty are interlinked and reinforce each other. For example, lack of education limits employment opportunities, which in turn affects income levels and access to basic necessities. Health issues can hamper productivity and income generation, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty. Similarly, discrimination and social exclusion can limit access to education, healthcare, and employment, trapping individuals in poverty.
Conclusion:
Understanding poverty as a multi-dimensional problem helps policymakers and stakeholders develop comprehensive strategies to address its underlying causes. By addressing education, health, employment, gender inequality, and social exclusion simultaneously, efforts can be made to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable development opportunities for all.
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