What Is Poverty: Definition, Dimensions, and Impacts

Key dimensions of poverty

• Income and material deprivation:

  • People living below the poverty line, typically set at $1.90 per day for extreme poverty
  • Lack of access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and shelter, which are central to the meaning of poverty

• Health impacts:

  • Children born in deprived areas weigh 200g less on average and are more likely to die in their first year
  • 26% of children in deprived areas are obese by age 11, compared to 11.7% in less deprived areas
  • Adults from lower socio-economic backgrounds have a greater prevalence of long-term conditions like diabetes, COPD, and hypertension

• Educational disadvantages:

  • Limited access to quality education and resources, a key aspect of what poverty means
  • Children in schools lacking health resources and teacher support tend to experience poorer physical and mental health
  • High school dropouts are at higher risk of premature death and poor health

• Living standards:

  • Inadequate housing conditions, which are integral to the definition of poverty
  • Limited access to electricity, clean water, and sanitation facilities

• Social exclusion:

  • Reduced participation in social, cultural, and political activities
  • Limited access to social networks and support systems, contributing to the overall meaning of poverty

Measuring poverty

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

• Measures 10 non-economic indicators across health, education, and living standards
• Considers people multidimensionally poor if deprived in 1/3 or more of these indicators
• Uses data from national censuses and household surveys

Income-based measures

• Traditional approach focusing on monetary aspects of what poverty is
• Often uses poverty lines to determine poverty status
• Limitations in capturing the full extent of deprivation

Individual Deprivation Measure (IDM)

• Gender-sensitive measure using 15 key dimensions of life
• Collects data on every adult in a selected household
• Reveals insights about differences between household members, enhancing our understanding of poverty's meaning

Impacts of poverty

Health effects

• Increased risk of chronic diseases, including asthma, diabetes, and obesity
• Higher prevalence of mental health issues, with 3/4 of those in the lowest income bracket reporting poor mental health
• Longitudinal studies show increased risk of mortality in adulthood for those who experienced childhood poverty

Educational outcomes

• Limited access to early childhood programs, which foster physical and mental development
• Reduced likelihood of high school graduation and college education
• Limited health literacy, affecting ability to make informed health decisions

Intergenerational effects

• Poverty often perpetuates across generations, highlighting the long-term impact of what poverty is
• Children born into poverty face increased risks of poor health and limited opportunities throughout life

Addressing poverty

Policy interventions

• Implement systematic, evidence-based interventions to reduce health inequalities
• Focus on early childhood programs like Head Start to foster development
• Increase high school graduation rates through targeted programs addressing risk factors

Health and education initiatives

• Improve access to quality healthcare and education in deprived areas
• Develop programs to enhance health literacy and English proficiency
• Provide vocational training and alternative schooling options

Social support systems

• Strengthen social safety nets and community support programs
• Address social exclusion through inclusive policies and practices, targeting the root causes of what poverty is

FAQ

What is poverty?

Poverty is a multidimensional condition characterized by deprivation across various aspects of life, including income, health, education, and living standards. It extends beyond financial hardship to encompass social exclusion and limited access to essential resources and opportunities.

What is the definition of poverty?

The definition of poverty includes living below the poverty line (typically $1.90 per day for extreme poverty), lack of access to basic necessities, limited educational opportunities, inadequate living conditions, and social exclusion. It's measured using various indicators, including income, health, education, and living standards.

What is the meaning of poverty in terms of health impacts?

Poverty's meaning in health terms includes lower birth weights, higher infant mortality rates, increased obesity in children, and a greater prevalence of long-term conditions like diabetes, COPD, and hypertension in adults from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It also encompasses higher risks of mental health issues and premature death.

How is poverty measured?

Poverty is measured using various methods, including the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which considers 10 non-economic indicators across health, education, and living standards; income-based measures using poverty lines; and the Individual Deprivation Measure (IDM), which is gender-sensitive and uses 15 key dimensions of life to assess poverty.

What are the long-term effects of poverty?

The long-term effects of poverty include increased risk of chronic diseases, poor mental health, limited educational attainment, reduced life expectancy, and intergenerational cycles of deprivation. Children born into poverty face increased risks of poor health and limited opportunities throughout their lives, perpetuating the cycle of poverty across generations.