Dynamics and scope of human poverty:

Most of the poor people live in a cycle of poverty that, without any outside intervention, they’re unlikely to break. They may have inherited this cycle from their parents, and are also likely to pass it on to their own children. We can understand the cycle of poverty is and how we might end it, by looking at the types of poverty, the factors that fuel poverty, and how we can address both to break the cycle.

The various types of poverty include the Occasional poor, Cyclical poor, Usually Poor and Always poor. While the different types of poverty are centered on lack of assets or lack of a return on those assets, they also suggest different causes and maintainers of poverty. However, all of this boils down into two key dimensions that, when combined, equal poverty: marginalization and risk.

Poverty = Marginalization x Risk

Thus, by addressing inequality or marginalization and risk, the cycle of poverty can be shattered.

While much progress has been made in measuring and analyzing poverty, organizations like the World Bank is doing more work to identify indicators for the other dimensions of poverty.  This work includes identifying social indicators to track education, health, access to services, vulnerability, and social exclusion. There is no one cause of poverty, and the results of it are different in every case. Poverty varies considerably depending on the situation. Feeling poor in Canada is different from living in poverty in Russia or Zimbabwe.  The differences between rich and poor within the borders of a country can also be great.

Despite the many definitions, one thing is certain; poverty is a complex societal issue. No matter how poverty is defined, it can be agreed that it is an issue that requires everyone’s attention.  It is important that all members of our society work together to provide the opportunities for all our members to reach their full potential. It helps all of us to help one another.

References:

Concern Worldwide US, Global community working to end extreme poverty. (2022). What is the Cycle Of Poverty?