What is poverty?
Usually when the word poverty is spoken it is associated with the term "poor", in the financial sense. However, this is a much more complex word carrying many different meanings. The definitions provided are those of which will show what will be explored about poverty throughout this blog.
Poverty at Large (2013) defines poverty as, "the deprivation of common necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and safe drinking water, all of which determine our quality of life... the lack of daily necessities water(potable water, of course), food, clothing, shelter...financial incapability for education".
This definition can be related to that of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs model, where the most basic of needs must be met in order for a person to move up the pyramid.
World Bank.org (2012) provide findings in regards to that of individuals living in poverty conditions, "Poor people are acutely aware of their lack of voice, power, and independence, which subject them to exploitation. Their poverty also leaves them vulnerable to rudeness, humiliation, and inhumane treatment by both private and public agents of the state from whom they seek help...Their inability to fully participate in community life leads to a breakdown of social relations...schooling receives mixed reviews, occasionally highly valued but often notably irrelevant in the lives of poor people".
This particular definition comes from the voice of those individuals that are living in poverty stricken conditions, a first hand account rather than that of an observer to the situation.
The European Union's definition of poverty is, "Persons, families and groups of persons whose resources (material, cultural and social) are so limited as to exclude them from the minimum acceptable way of life in the Member State to which they belong".
This definition highlights that those individuals who are living in an economic community which may be higher than their own financial situations, are considered to be living in poverty compared to the rest.
References.
Child Poverty Solutions. (2013). What is child poverty? Retrieved from: http://www.childpovertysolutions.org.uk/english/child-poverty
The Definitions of Poverty. (n.d). Retrieved from: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPOVERTY/Resources/335642-1124115102975/1555199-1124115187705/ch2.pdf
Poverty as defined. (n.d). Retrieved from: http://povertyhci.weebly.com/how-do-you-define-poverty.html
What causes poverty?
Many people throughout the world are affected by poverty. MMBrico (2006) state the causes of poverty can come down to- the higher costs of living
- the economic changes
- lack of access to education
- lack of assests and supports
- family structures
So what about child poverty?
Within New Zealand it can be hard to acknowledge and accept the wide spread child poverty surrounding many New Zealanders. Clark (2012) discusses how child poverty is a "massive, massive problem". The individuals, living in and affected by poverty, suffering the most are children. The opportunities these poverty stricken children are missing out on are too great; education, health care and family financial support. Although some people in society may view poverty of older individuals as a consequence of life choices, children cannot be placed into this same category. The reason for this is that children are not responsible for the environment they are born into. Bradbury (2003) states children's lack of "choice over their economic situation". It has become increasingly more expensive to live in New Zealand with the rising price of basic goods required for living and the increasing cost of quality education. The provision of affordable and quality early childhood education and care is a way in which to help those children affected by poverty develop a positive pathway towards a positive and productive adult life. Te Whaariki (Ministry of Education, 1996), the early childhood education and care curriculum came into being in 1996. This document ensures the quality and holistic approach to young children's education and care. Unfortunately, it seemed not everyone had the same idea of the importance of quality early childhood education and care. The National Government cut funding to early childhood saying centre's need only 80% qualified teacher, this in turn, sees a decrease in quality within the early childhood settings.
Reference.
Clark, B. (2012). Is poverty in New Zealand hidden, or are we just looking the other way? Retrieved from: http//www.instablogs.com/entry/is-poverty-in-new-zealand-hidden-or-are-we-just-looking-the-other-way/
Mmbrico.com. (2006). Child poverty. Retreived from: http://www.fightpoverty.mmbrico.com/index2.html
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki he whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
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