Causes of Poverty A GDRC compilation of articles on Show
I. Types of causes of poverty A. IndividualPoverty is explained by individual circumstances and/or characterstics of poor people. Some examples are:
B. AggregateThere are two types of aggregate poverty theory: case and generic. There is no agreement on which is the correct explanation of most poverty. 1. Case. Add up all poverty explained by individual theories, and that is equal to total or aggregate poverty. In other words, according to case theories of poverty, individual and aggregate explanations are really the same. According to these theories, aggregate poverty is just the sum of individual poverty. 2. Generic. Poverty is explained by general, economy-wide problems, such as
If generic theories are correct, poverty is caused by one set of forces (general, economy-wide problems) but distributed according to individual theories. II. Case vs. Generic Theories of Poverty A. What difference does it make whether poverty is caused by case or generic causes?Answer: It makes a lot of difference. Example #1: Suppose somehow we significantly reduce racial discrimination. Will total poverty fall?Case answer: Yes. Generic answer: No. Poverty will only be redistributed. Example #2: Suppose we give poor people effective skill training and compensatory education. Will total poverty fall?Case answer: Yes. Generic answer: No. Poverty will only be redistributed. B. What can you do about poverty?1. If case theories are correct: Address the individual cause of poverty. For example, if poverty is caused by inadequate skills or education, then the solution is skill training or compensatory education. If poverty is caused by discrimination, then the solution is antidiscrimination policies. 2. If generic theories are correct: Improve the quantity and quality of jobs. C. How can you tell which is correct--case or generic theories?1. Remember that the things that cause poverty in case theories explain its distribution in generic theories. Because of this, both theories are consistent with the same facts (statistics). Therefore, it is very difficult, maybe impossible, to determine which is correct through direct test. 2. There's some indirect evidence pointing to generic theories: For example, there is the failure of poverty to fall during periods of large training programs, and the failure of poverty to fall with rise in general educational level of population. Further indirect evidence later on in the course. 3. Most people assume case theories are correct. Why?
Source: Maxwell School, Syracuse University Acute causes of poverty:
Source: MSU Women and International Development Addressing the Underlying Causes of Poverty Building a more widespread commitment to overcoming poverty is an essential first step in overcoming poverty, and actions to address this are discussed below.
Source: Synergos - University for a Night Do you have any comments to make?
If you have any comments on this document, please send an email to - Hari Srinivas - What are the personal causes of poverty?What Causes Poverty?. Lack of shelter.. Limited access to clean water resources.. Food insecurity.. Physical disabilities.. Lack of access to health care.. Unemployment.. Absence of social services.. Gender discrimination.. What are the 4 main causes of poverty?10 Common Root Causes of Poverty. #1. Lack of good jobs/job growth. ... . #2: Lack of good education. The second root cause of poverty is a lack of education. ... . #3: Warfare/conflict. ... . #4: Weather/climate change. ... . #5: Social injustice. ... . #6: Lack of food and water. ... . #7: Lack of infrastructure. ... . #8: Lack of government support.. What are the 8 causes of poverty?Here are 11 of those causes, fully revised for 2020.. INEQUALITY AND MARGINALIZATION. ... . CONFLICT. ... . HUNGER, MALNUTRITION, AND STUNTING. ... . POOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS — ESPECIALLY FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN. ... . LITTLE OR NO ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE. ... . CLIMATE CHANGE. ... . LACK OF EDUCATION. ... . POOR PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE.. What are the 6 main causes of poverty?Here, we look at some of the top causes of poverty around the world.. INADEQUATE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD. ... . LITTLE OR NO ACCESS TO LIVELIHOODS OR JOBS. ... . CONFLICT. ... . INEQUALITY. ... . POOR EDUCATION. ... . CLIMATE CHANGE. ... . LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE. ... . LIMITED CAPACITY OF THE GOVERNMENT.. |