Question

1.)  What does Desmond mean when he describes poverty as multidimensional? Discuss the various dimensions of poverty using examples.

2.) Discuss how the nature of poverty has changed since much of the foundational research on poverty was conducted in the 1980s and 90s.

3.) How do you think poverty should be addressed in America?

Answer 1

1. Desmond is a professor of Sociology. He talks about perspectives of poverty in America. He describe poverty as multidimensional. Multidimensional poverty means there are several factors present which constitutes the poor peoples' experiences of sufferings. These may include following aspects:-

a. Poor health

b. Lack of education

c. Improper living standards

d. low income for survival

e. Poor quality of work

f. Threat from violence

g. Housing insecurities

h. Racial inequality etc.

If a person is poor then he may find difficulty in getting education. This will prohibit him from getting a good job. Lack of good job means very less financial security. If financial security is absent then it means that living standards are also poor.

It may cause bad health. Bad health may result in weak body which ultimately make a person susceptible to anarchy and violence. All these factors keep on degrading life standards of a person. This also causes threat for future generation.

2. Nature and extent of poverty have been changed since 1980 and 1990. Extreme poverty is falling with the passage of time. Middle class is becoming stronger. Industrial revolution has provided jobs to many people. Many skill development programs operated by governments are also working in this direction.

People are realising the fact that poverty is like a curse. It degrades their and their future generation's life. Now a days, youth does not feel shame in working in burger shops. Now a days, employment is seen as priority. Nature of work is secondary now.

People want to get settled. Gender awareness has also been expanded. This feeling of equality is causing more and more employment. More start ups have seen successful growth. So, there is complete change in paradigm of poverty.

3. USA defines poverty in terms of Poverty Threshold. It is a specified dollar amount. This amount is the minimum amount needed for meeting the basic life needs. Lack of education, high divorce rates, over populations, epidemic diseases, extremities of climate etc . are considered as main factors responsible for poverty.

For addressing the problem of poverty, the USA Government identifies how much it should be cost to feed a family of four for one year and then multiplies that number by three. Approximate 14 percent persons in US lives below the poverty line.

Government applies certain schemes for ensuring the job guarantee. It also promotes start up culture so that person can be self employed.