Global poverty is a complex issue rooted in economic, political, and social factors. It affects billions worldwide, with the highest concentrations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Poverty's impacts extend beyond income, influencing health, education, and social mobility.
Addressing global poverty involves international aid, microfinance, education initiatives, and sustainable development goals. Challenges include corruption, cultural barriers, and climate change impacts. The World Bank, IMF, and NGOs play crucial roles in poverty reduction efforts, though their approaches sometimes face criticism.
Definition of global poverty
Global poverty encompasses the economic and social conditions that deprive individuals of basic necessities and opportunities for a dignified life
Relates to social stratification by highlighting the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities across different segments of the global population
Serves as a fundamental concept in understanding how economic disparities contribute to social hierarchies and limited mobility
Absolute vs relative poverty
Top images from around the web for Absolute vs relative poverty
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World In Data View original
Is this image relevant?
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World in Data View original
Is this image relevant?
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World In Data View original
Is this image relevant?
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World In Data View original
Is this image relevant?
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World in Data View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Absolute vs relative poverty
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World In Data View original
Is this image relevant?
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World in Data View original
Is this image relevant?
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World In Data View original
Is this image relevant?
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World In Data View original
Is this image relevant?
Global Extreme Poverty - Our World in Data View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Absolute poverty measures individuals living below a fixed income threshold regardless of overall societal wealth
Relative poverty compares an individual's economic situation to the average standard of living in their society
World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $1.90 per day (2011 PPP)
Relative poverty often set at 50-60% of a country's median income
Both measures crucial for understanding the multidimensional nature of poverty in different contexts
Poverty line measurements
Poverty lines establish thresholds below which individuals are considered poor
International poverty line set by World Bank at $1.90 per day for extreme poverty
National poverty lines vary based on country-specific economic conditions and living standards
Multidimensional poverty index (MPI) incorporates factors beyond income (health, education, living standards)
Purchasing power parity (PPP) adjustments account for differences in cost of living across countries
Causes of global poverty
Economic factors
Lack of economic growth and job opportunities in developing countries
Unequal distribution of wealth and resources within and between nations
Structural unemployment due to skills mismatch or technological changes
Debt burdens limiting government spending on social programs and infrastructure
Economic shocks and recessions disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations
Political instability
Civil wars and conflicts disrupt economic activities and destroy infrastructure
Corruption diverts resources from public services and development projects
Weak institutions fail to implement effective poverty reduction policies
Political violence and human rights abuses force displacement and migration
Lack of democratic processes hinders representation of marginalized groups
Environmental challenges
Climate change impacts agricultural productivity and food security
Natural disasters (droughts, floods) destroy livelihoods and assets