[Audio] GLOBAL POVERTY AND INEQUALITY “Being Poor is not intentional. And Being poor is not aspiration. Being Poor is the Result of not having a support System that Allows You to Earn Enough Money to Take care of Yourself and Family. Being poor is labeled Poverty” By Michelle Gethers. IN OUA LPM Class. Fall 2023 Porf. Lee, Giyoung Presenter: Yusuf.
[Audio] Content Outlines Introduction Causes and Consequences of Poverty and Inequality Challenges in Tackling Poverty and Inequality Efforts to Address Poverty and Inequality Conclusion.
[Audio] I. Introduction Global poverty is one of the most urgent issues facing our world today, affecting 9.2% of the population. COVID-19, ongoing conflict, and natural disasters have slowed progress toward the UN SDG goal for eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 (Peer, 2023). Poverty is a situation of privation in which individuals or groups do not have access to the resources and fundamental needs required to live a healthy and dignified life. Inequality is referred to unequal distribution of wealth, opportunity, and resources among various social groups, resulting in inequities and restricted development. Poverty and inequality are complex, interrelated problems that existing in a wide range of countries around the world. The negative effects of these interconnected issues on individuals, communities, and the entire global setting demand immediate action. Solving these problems is essential to building a more equitable and sustainable world..
[Audio] Facts and Figures on Poverty 719 million people 9.2% of the world’s population are living on less than $2.15 a day. Extreme poverty is largely concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. About 63% of people older than 15 who live in extreme poverty have no schooling. 1.2 billion people in 111 developing countries live in multidimensional poverty. 593 million children are experiencing multidimensional poverty. By 2030, more than half of the world’s poor will live in fragile contexts..
[Audio] II. Causes of poverty and inequality Economic factors Economic factors such as income inequality and a lack of job possibilities play a significant role in sustaining poverty. According to Ravallion (2001), a significant portion of the world population lives on modest salaries and unable to access basic needs, which perpetuating their impoverishment. Furthermore, economic globalization and technology improvements have resulted in job displacement and income inequality, deepening the divide between the richness and the poorness (Smith, 2020). 2. Social factors Social factors, including discrimination and inadequate access to education and healthcare, reinforce and exacerbate inequality. Discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, and other factors results in unequal opportunities and treatment. Studies by Kabeer (2012) have demonstrated how lack of access to quality education and healthcare perpetuates intergenerational cycles of poverty, contributing to the persistence of inequality.
[Audio] Cont… 3. Political factors Political factors, like corruption and unequal resource distribution, significantly contribute to perpetuating poverty and inequality Corruption diverts resources away from those in most need, resulting in a shortage of crucial services and infrastructure for marginalized groups (Hickey, 2015). Consequences Poverty and inequality have far-reaching implications, affecting not only the individuals immediately affected but also social structures. Poverty restricts overall development and contributes to higher crime rates. Individuals trapped in poverty tend to resort to illegal means of survival, creating a cycle of crime and poverty (Johnson et al., 2016). Furthermore, inequality hampers economic progress and stability by causing gaps in income distribution and access to resources..
[Audio] Cont.. The effects on society are striking, leading to notable differences in health and a rise in social unrest. According to research by Wilkinson and Pickett (2009), there is a direct link between illnesses and income inequality. Societies with higher income inequalities also have higher rates of health problems in all social classes. Moreover, disparities in income, resources, and opportunities can lead to social discontent and disputes that threaten the peace and stability of society. Poverty and inequality undermine democratic structures and promote social division. Limited access to resources and unequal representation result in a lack of political voice for society's vulnerable groups, undermining democracy's essential values..
[Audio] Poverty Game Source: World Vision Australia.
[Audio] Global Wealth Inequality According to the World Inequality Report: The poorest 50% of the population own just 2% of total net wealth. The middle 40% of people own 22% of total net wealth. The richest 10% of people own 76% of total net wealth. The global inequality highlights that the success or failure of one's birthplace significantly impacts their living conditions. Health: A child born in a country with poor health is 60 times more likely to die than one born in a country with good health. Education: Countries with the best access to education offer 15-20 years of formal education for children, while those with the poorest access only receive 5 years. Income: Qatar's GDP per capita is nearly $117,000, while the Central African Republic's is $661, indicating a 177-fold difference in average incomes..
[Audio] The following chart depicts the gap in living condition between the world's richest and poorest nations in several approaches..
[Audio] III Challenges in Tackling Poverty and Inequality Inadequate Funds and Resources The initiatives to combat poverty and inequality continue to face challenges. Inadequate funds and resources frequently hamper intervention efficacy. Limited monetary assistance for social welfare programs, as well as inadequate funding for education and healthcare systems, obstruct progress, especially in poor countries. Political opposition and corruption Powerful groups or governmental bodies that are unwilling to distribute resources or change existing systems hamper development. Corruption diverts funding away from key poverty-relief programs, reducing the effectiveness of interventions (Hickey, 2015). Lack of awareness Lack of awareness and comprehension of the seriousness and complexities of these issues among people of all ages and policymakers creates substantial obstacles. Addressing these challenges demands comprehensive awareness campaigns and education initiatives to drive necessary policy changes and societal shifts..
[Audio] IV Efforts to Address Poverty and Inequality Governments have to attempt a variety of ways to combat poverty and inequality. such as providing Social welfare programs into Unemployment payments, food assistance, and healthcare provisions aim to alleviate immediate burdens and enhance living standards (Barro, 2000). Moreover, progressive taxation is recommended as a way to alleviate income inequality and fund social welfare programs. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and humanitarian institutions should play a critical role in giving assistance and support to underserved populations. Their direct interventions, educational programs, and health initiatives provide vital support to those who are left behind by conventional policy In order to combat poverty and inequality, international cooperation is essential. Development assistance and global alliances can help close gaps and create opportunities for sustainable development for lower-income nations and communities..
[Audio] V. Conclusion Addressing poverty and inequality, a comprehensive approach involving strengthening social security systems, implementing welfare programs, and implementing redistributive policies is crucial. Investing in education and healthcare systems, especially for vulnerable groups, is crucial for breaking poverty and inequality cycles, while strengthening legal systems prevents corruption and enforces equitable resource allocation. Establishing policies and programs that support local businesses and create job opportunities can foster inclusive economic growth and benefit marginalized communities. Addressing underlying issues including discrimination, gender inequity, and social biases are vital for achieving long-term change. Governments, NGOs, and international collaboration are needed to combat poverty and inequality through inclusive policies and addressing underlying issues for a more just future..
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