Poverty And Social Exclusion Essay

Poverty and social exclusion have continued to pose major challenges to governments all over the world. Poverty is a global phenomenon which affects all states at different levels and is not limited to the developing countries only. Both poverty and social exclusion are conditions relating to the denial of or absence of opportunities and resources, this affects participation in society on equal terms with others. The affected individuals are often in situations where ordinary basic needs for survival are denied or cannot be acquired. (Vienna declaration 1993)

This report will proffer a critical evaluation of the concepts of poverty and social exclusion. Firstly, it will explain what poverty and social exclusion are and also analyse the relationship

Poverty is when your resources are far below your minimum basic needs. Poverty does not have a specific definition. A household is said to be living in poverty if its income is below 60%of the median total household income. The concept of poverty can be described from two angles; The Absolute and Relative poverty. (Joanna 2016)

Absolute poverty refers to a particular set of universal standard which does not change over time. Relative poverty, on the other hand, is the set of the standard established by a particular society for its inhabitants. This can vary over time and differs from country to country.

The child poverty and action group stated that about 3.6 million children are currently living in poverty in the UK. This is an estimate of more than one in four children. This figure is expected to increase to about 4.2 million by 2020 (Joanna. 2016 &CPAG)

CAUSES OF

Provide jobs and infrastructure and also improve the economy locally. This is not the case in Wolverhampton. A very good example is the establishment of the i54 on the boundary of Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire, this is supposed to provide jobs for people in Wolverhampton and west midland at large but the jobs have gone out to people from other places like Worchester not because the organisation detest Wolverhampton but because the people in Wolverhampton do not have the necessary qualifications and skills. (Lafrati. 2017)

• Ineffective benefit system: The benefits system is very confusing and hard to engage with, leading to errors and delays. The introduction of Universal credit has not made the situation any better. The existing cuts already have a negative effect on the people and a majority of the people is on the breadline. The people most affected by poverty and social exclusion include the women, the disabled, the ethnic minorities, the lone parent, and the unemployed. (Alcock.1987 and JRF