The study of poverty is an interesting one as it is a broad term and there are many different types of poverty. Within the study of this subject, there are some key points to remember. To begin with, poverty is relative, as it is a concept that very much depends on whom one is surrounded by. If everyone in a group experiences the same circumstances then the notion of wealth and poverty is unclear. In fact, poverty is something that exists only in relation to realized quantities and expectations. Poverty is not something that is limited to the world's poorest areas; it occurs in all races and in all parts of the world. Being in poverty is not the result of a clear cut distinction either, as the notion of economic class falls on a continuous line. (Wratten, 1995). Additionally, situational poverty is distinct from generational poverty, as the former is a consequence of circumstance like death, illness or divorce and usually lasts for a shorter period of time, while generational poverty is something that afflicts people for generations. (Brady, 2003). Of course these insights are based on patterns and there are exceptions to all patterns. This report will examine exactly what poverty is, and how it should be measured. It will then discuss the roots or causes of this problem, and who or what agent(s) have obligations to alleviate, diminish or eradicate poverty, and what reasons there are for this obligation.
[...] Research On Aging, vol no pp. 487- 510. Brady, D. & Kall, D. (September 2008). Nearly universal, but somewhat distinct: The feminization of poverty in affluent Western democracies, 1969-2000. Social Science Research, vol no pp. 976-1007. Goldberg, G.S. & Kremen, E. (1990). The Feminization of Poverty: Only in America? Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. Hartman, C. (1996). Double Exposure: Poverty and Race in America. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe. Iceland, J. (2006). Poverty in America: A Handbook. [...]
[...] When seeking to identify the roots or causes of poverty, it is worthwhile to examine poverty in terms of two categories: situational poverty and generational poverty. Generational poverty is more systematic and it has its own distinct culture, rules and belief systems. One of the main indicators of whether a situation is generational or situation is the dominant attitude. Those who are afflicted by generational poverty typically have a mindset that society owes them a living, whereas situational poverty is one that involves people who have been afflicted with unfortunate circumstances, but they still have pride and they understand the value in making a living for oneself. [...]
[...] It must also be understood that it is the role of whoever it is that has an obligation to help those in poverty (for example, teachers and social workers) is not to save the individual, but instead to offer them a support system, role model, and opportunities, as this is the best way to create the necessary framework for success success being the alleviating, diminishing or eradicating poverty. It is the responsibility of these people to teach them the differences and skills/rules that will put them in a position to make smart choices. [...]
[...] It is important to know who the key players are in circumstances of generational poverty generally females are the key players and the men are more in-and-out. (Brady & Kall, 2008). To sum it up, the family patterns that are present in circumstances of generational poverty are distinct from the middle class. poverty the roles, the multiple relationships, the nature of the male identity, the ever-changing allegiances, the favouritism and the matriarchal structure result in a different pattern.” (Payne, 2005: 57). [...]
[...] In poverty-stricken family units it is the matriarch that typically dispenses the punishment and offer forgiveness, but forgiveness can be a counterproductive proposition as it can result in the people resorting back to their old behaviour which will not result in a change of action and movement away from poverty. (Hartman, 1996). Those who seek to alleviating, diminishing or eradicating poverty ought to analyse how people behave and how this behaviour is related to poverty. For example, when a young person is disciplined they might laugh it off. [...]
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