Poverty as seen by social scientists

3.3 Poverty as seen by social scientists

Description

Quick Overview

Social scientists analyze poverty through various indicators, understanding its complexities and ramifications.

Standard

This section delves into the multifaceted nature of poverty as perceived by social scientists, emphasizing indicators beyond income such as education, health, and social exclusion. It also explores vulnerability and poverty trends in India and globally.

Detailed

Poverty as seen by social scientists

Poverty is not merely defined by lack of income; social scientists employ a variety of indicators to assess its nature and scale. Traditionally, poverty assessment has focused on income and consumption. However, contemporary analysis incorporates factors such as education levels, healthcare access, and social dynamics. A significant aspect is the concept of social exclusion, which describes how certain individuals or groups are deprived of resources and opportunities accessible to better-off sections of society, often leading to chronic poverty.

Moreover, the section discusses vulnerability, which relates to the likelihood of certain communities, often marginalized groups, slipping into or remaining in poverty due to systemic risks such as natural disasters or loss of employment. The exposition of the poverty line, a tool used to measure poverty, reveals its fluctuating definitions across regions and over time, influenced by local economic conditions. Understanding poverty also highlights the limitations of mere income statistics and calls for a broader view of human poverty, which encompasses various social, economic, and political dimensions.

Key Concepts

  • Social Exclusion: The denial of equal access to resources based on societal factors.

  • Vulnerability: The higher risk faced by certain groups of becoming or remaining poor.

  • Poverty Line: A measurement that defines the threshold below which individuals are considered poor.

  • Human Poverty: A more comprehensive view of poverty, considering aspects beyond just income.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Poverty's plight can stem from might, in social systems where equal rights are light.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a village where only a few have access to clean water while others struggle, showing how social exclusion can impact health and growth.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember E-SI for exploring social inclusion: Education, Social identity, Inclusion.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Use **P-HEES**

  • Poverty
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Social status.

Examples

  • A family may fall below the poverty line due to a sudden health crisis that depletes their savings, showing vulnerability.

  • Social exclusion can be seen in caste-based discrimination in India, where marginalized groups have limited access to education and jobs.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Social Exclusion

    Definition:

    A process through which individuals or groups are deprived of opportunities and resources available to others, often leading to persistent poverty.

  • Term: Vulnerability

    Definition:

    The increased likelihood of certain groups or individuals becoming or remaining poor due to systemic factors.

  • Term: Poverty Line

    Definition:

    A threshold defined to determine who is considered poor, varying by region and over time based on basic needs.

  • Term: Human Poverty

    Definition:

    A broader concept of poverty that encompasses social, economic, and political factors contributing to a person's quality of life.