Poverty

Table of Contents

Index Page Number

1. Introduction 1

2. Poverty 1

3. Absolute Poverty 1-2

4. Relative Poverty 2

5. Deprivation Trap 2-3

6. Causes of Poverty 3

Limited or no access to education 3

Unemployment 4

Population Increase 5

7. Conclusion 6

Bibliography

1. Introduction

Poverty is an issue which cannot be overlooked; it usually exists in developing countries. Poverty is a multi-faceted concept that can be defined in various ways.

For the purpose of this assignment I will be discussing the overall concept of poverty as well as to distinguish between absolute and relative poverty. Will be using the Robert Chambers deprivation trap to explain how poverty is a multi-faceted concept and its many causes and effects. Equally I will discuss three causes of poverty in the Third World.

2. Poverty

Poverty can be defined in many ways; it is a complicated, multi-faceted concept. For the purpose of this assignment the term ‘poverty’ will be referred to a lack of access to your basic needs. Needs are necessities, the things that are essential for human survival, for example, food, clothing, shelter, clean water, sanitation, education, etc. Poverty can be seen as a father with six children who is unemployed with no prospects of unemployment compensation.

Poverty is mainly viewed in two ways: absolute and relative

2.1 Absolute Poverty

Absolute Poverty is defined by the World Bank as having an income or access to resources of less than US 1$ per day (Regan, 283). In South Africa it would mean living on an income of less than +/- R7 a day.

It is the case where people lack basic human needs and one is barely surviving, it is a situation where income is so low, that a minimum standard of nutrition, shelter and personal needs are not maintained. It is the worst type of poverty, and if you experience...