Poverty as a Social Problem

What is Poverty?

Poverty is when people don't have enough money to live a simple, comfortable life. It means they
can’t afford basic things like food, a home, healthcare, or education.

According to Nelson Mandela: Poverty is not natural it is man-made and it can be overcome and
eradicated by the action of human beings.”

UNICEF: defines poverty as something that harms a person’s dignity and takes away their chances
and choices.

The United Nations says poverty is more than just not having enough money it’s also about not
having the resources needed for a decent life.

Poverty is when a family cannot afford

Who are the Poor?

1. A person who lacks shelter: A person without a home is called homeless. This means they
don't have a safe and stable place to live. They may sleep on the streets or in temporary
places, and they often have trouble getting enough food, healthcare, and jobs.
2. A person who lacks food: A person who doesn’t have enough food is often poor. This is
called food insecurity. When someone can’t get enough food, it usually means they also have
problems like not having a stable income, a job, or living in places where food is hard to find.
3. A person who lacks education: Without education, people may struggle to get good jobs and
earn money. If they can’t read, write, or do calculation well, they may have fewer job
opportunities and find it harder to escape poverty.
4. A person who lacks basic transportation: Without reliable transportation, like a car or bus
service, it’s hard to get to work, school, or doctor’s appointments. This can make it harder to
improve their life and can keep them stuck in poverty.
 5. A person who lacks the ability to pay off debts: If someone can’t pay off their debts, it
means they don’t have enough money to cover both their daily needs and what they be
obliged. This can cause financial problems and stress, making it harder to escape poverty.
6. A person who lacks good health and medical care: Poor health can stop a person from
working, taking care of themselves, or being part of their community. Without good healthcare,
their health may get worse, causing long-term problems and making their financial situation
even harder.

Facts about Poverty in Pakistan

Poverty is a big problem in Pakistan, with about 34.3% of people living in poverty. There is a big gap
between the rich and poor, and poverty is mostly found in rural areas. About 80% of poor people live
in these areas, where there aren't many chances for good education, healthcare, or jobs. Women in
Pakistan are more likely to be poor than men because of cultural beliefs, fewer job opportunities, and
less control over decisions.

Types of Poverty

Here are some common types of poverty:

Absolute Poverty: This is when people lack the basic necessities for survival, such as food, clean
water, shelter, and healthcare.

Relative Poverty: Relative poverty is when someone doesn't have as much money or resources as
other people in their community, making it hard for them to live the way most people do. It's not about
being unable to afford the basics like food or a home, but about not being able to keep up with the
lifestyle that most people in that society have.

Situational Poverty: This type of poverty is often temporary and caused by unexpected crises like
natural disasters, job loss, or severe health issues. People may fall into poverty due to these events
but may also recover over time.

Chronic Poverty: Chronic poverty is a type of extreme poverty that continues for many years or a
person's entire life.

Rural Poverty: This form of poverty is specific to rural areas and is often linked to limited access to
resources, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. It can also be made worse by
agricultural challenges or geographic isolation.

Urban Poverty: Urban poverty exists within cities and is often marked by insufficient housing,
overcrowded living conditions, limited employment, and insufficient social services. Slums and
informal settlements are examples of areas affected by urban poverty.

Generational (or Intergenerational) Poverty: This is poverty passed down from one generation to
the next, often due to a lack of access to education, employment opportunities, and social mobility.

Marginal Poverty: Marginal poverty is a state of lacking stable employment. For example, someone
who works as a lifeguard at a pool during the summer might experience marginal poverty when the
summer ends.
Working Poverty: Also known as the "working poor," this describes individuals who have jobs but
still live below the poverty line due to low wages, lack of benefits, or part-time work.

Multidimensional Poverty: Unlike income-based measures, multidimensional poverty considers

Causes of Poverty

 Population pressure
 Shortage of capital
 Low literacy rate
 Unemployment
 Inequalities of wealth and income
 Use of drugs and alcohol
 Lack of social Welfareness

Effects of Poverty

Here are some of the key effects of poverty:

Poor Health: People in poverty often don't have enough food, medical care, or clean water, which
causes more hunger, diseases, and health problems that could be prevented. Living in crowded,
unsafe conditions can spread diseases.

Limited Education: Poverty makes it hard for families to afford things like school fees, books, and
uniforms. Some children may have to work instead of going to school, so they don’t get a good
education, which means fewer job chances later in life.

Unemployment: People in poverty often can’t find good jobs or have low-paying, unstable work.
Without enough income, it's hard to afford basic needs like food and shelter, making it harder to
escape poverty.

Increased Crime: Poverty can lead to more crime because some people may turn to illegal activities
to survive or because they don't have enough resources or chances to improve their situation.

Poor Housing and Living Conditions: Many people in poverty live in bad housing, like crowded or
unsafe homes. This can cause health problems and make it harder for them to live a healthy,
productive life.

Intergenerational Poverty: Poverty can pass down from parents to children. Kids born into poverty
often face the same struggles, like not having enough education, healthcare, or job opportunities,
which keeps the cycle of poverty going.

Mental Health Struggles: The stress of living in poverty, worrying about basic needs, and feeling left
out can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Poor Nutrition and Food Insecurity: People in poverty often can’t afford healthy food, so they may
eat cheap, unhealthy food that doesn't give them the vitamins and nutrients they need.
Lack of Access to Technology: People in poverty may not have access to technology or the
internet, which makes it harder for them to learn, find jobs, or get medical help, making it more difficult
to improve their situation.

Lower Life Expectancy: People in poverty tend to live shorter lives because they often don’t have
good healthcare, healthy food, or treatment for chronic illnesses, which leads to more health
problems and early death.

Difficulty Accessing Legal Rights and Justice: Poor people often can’t afford lawyers or face
unfair treatment in legal systems. This can lead to being taken advantage of, treated badly, or even
wrongly imprisoned.

Decreased Civic Engagement: People in poverty may not have the time or energy to participate in
activities like voting or community meetings because they are focused on surviving. This reduces
their ability to help make decisions that could improve their lives or communities.

What has the Government of Pakistan done to Eradicate Poverty?

The government of Pakistan has done a lot to reduce poverty and improve people's living conditions.
Some of the main programs and actions include:

1. Ehsaas Program
The Ehsaas Program is a big government effort to help people who are struggling, like poor
families, women, and older people. It gives them money directly, helps with education costs,
and offers interest-free loans. One part of the program, called Ehsaas Kafalat, gives monthly
financial support to families in need.
2. Benazir Income Support Program (BISP)
The Benazir Income Support Program started in 2008 and helps poor families, especially
women, by giving them money. The program’s goal is to reduce poverty and help women
become financially independent. It also teaches women about managing money and gives
them money to cover healthcare, education, and other needs.
3. Microfinance and Small Business Loans
The First MicroFinance Bank and other similar banks give small loans to poor people,
especially women and those living in rural areas. These loans help them start or grow small
businesses. The goal is to help people get out of poverty by giving them a chance to earn their
own money and become financially independent.
4. Zakat and Ushr System
Zakat, is a charity in Islam, and the government collects and distributes it through the Central
Zakat Fund. This fund supports poor and marginalized groups in society. Similarly, Ushr, a tax
on agricultural produce, is used for poverty alleviation and to help the most disadvantaged
communities.
5. Rural Development and Agricultural Support
The government has started several programs to help people living in rural areas. The National
Rural Support Program (NRSP) and Akhuwat Foundation give small loans and other help to
farmers and small business owners. These programs help farmers grow crops by providing
seeds and teach new skills, which helps people in rural areas earn more money.
6. Education and Skills Development
 The government has started programs like the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Program to
help students from poor families pay for college. They also have programs to teach skills in
areas like technology, healthcare, and other jobs, so people can get better chances for work.
7. Health and Social Protection
The Sehat Insaf Card is a program that gives free health coverage to poor families. It helps
pay for hospital stays and surgeries. The government is also working to improve healthcare in
rural areas, which helps reduce poverty caused by health problems.
8. Poverty Alleviation Funds
The government manages different funds to help fight poverty and support community
projects. For example, the Poverty Alleviation Fund gives money to local organizations working
to reduce poverty. This money helps pay for things like education, healthcare, and building
better facilities in poor areas.
9. Public-Private Partnerships
The government of Pakistan works with private companies and organizations to improve public
services like healthcare and education. Many charities and private groups help the government
provide these services to people who need them the most.
10. Waseela-e-Haq Program
This program helps poor families by giving them money to improve their lives. The government
gives a one-time cash grant to help them start a small business or pay for their children's
education.
11. Jobs and Employment Programs
The government has started programs to create jobs and help the local economy grow. These
programs offer training to teach people new skills and help them find jobs, especially for those
living in poverty.