Poverty and extreme poverty are big issues that affect people all over the world. In this article, we’ll look at what these terms mean, why they happen, and how we might solve these problems.
Back in the 1990s, the United Nations set some goals to make the world a better place. The first goal was to get rid of extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. Poverty means different things in different places because people have different standards of living. For example, in the United States, if someone makes less than $11,770 a year, they are considered to be living in poverty, which is about $32 a day.
Extreme poverty is even more serious. The U.N. says it means not having enough of the basic things we need, like food, clean water, and a safe place to live. People living in extreme poverty survive on less than $1.25 a day. In 2015, 836 million people were still living in extreme poverty, which is a big improvement from 1.9 billion, but there’s still work to do.
There are many reasons why extreme poverty has decreased. Better access to education, help from international organizations, and globalization have all played a part.
Since World War II ended, countries have been trading more with each other. Free trade agreements and better transportation and communication have made it easier for goods and services to cross borders.
Mobile phones are a great example of how technology can help. In many developing countries, people use phones to access banking, education, and market information. This is called “leapfrogging,” where countries skip older technologies and go straight to newer, more efficient ones.
Globalization has opened up new chances for people in developing countries to sell their products and work in the global market. But it also has some downsides. While companies and consumers enjoy lower prices, workers in low-wage countries often have to work in unsafe conditions.
Even so, many workers in these countries earn more than the average local wage, which can help boost their local economies. Critics, however, say that this system can be unfair and that workers need better pay and protection.
One big worry about globalization is whether it’s sustainable. Experts say that our planet might not be able to handle a constantly growing economy because of problems like deforestation, pollution, and climate change. The challenge is to help people out of poverty while keeping the planet healthy.
One way to fight extreme poverty is by helping people join the economy. Microcredit, an idea made popular by Bangladeshi professor Muhammad Yunus, involves giving small loans to low-income people, mostly women, to start small businesses.
Microcredit alone won’t solve extreme poverty, but it gives people the power to improve their lives by participating in the economy. Yunus believes that poor people are often the best entrepreneurs because they have to be creative to survive.
Globalization has helped many people escape extreme poverty, but there are still challenges to overcome. It’s important to keep working on these issues by encouraging economic participation and sustainable practices. This way, we can aim for a future where poverty is greatly reduced, and everyone has the chance to succeed.
Research the current statistics on global poverty and extreme poverty. Create a presentation that compares these statistics to those from the 1990s. Highlight the progress made and the challenges that remain. Present your findings to the class, focusing on how globalization and technology have impacted poverty levels.
Participate in a class debate about the pros and cons of globalization. Divide into two groups: one supporting globalization as a tool for reducing poverty and the other highlighting its negative impacts, such as unsafe working conditions. Use evidence from the article and additional research to support your arguments.
Engage in a simulation where you act as entrepreneurs in a developing country. Each group receives a “microcredit loan” to start a small business. Plan your business, considering the challenges and opportunities mentioned in the article. Present your business plan and discuss how microcredit can empower individuals and communities.
Calculate the daily budget for someone living in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.25 a day. Compare this to the poverty line in the United States, which is about $32 a day. Discuss how these budgets affect access to basic needs like food, water, and shelter.
Write a short story from the perspective of someone living in extreme poverty. Use the information from the article to describe their daily challenges and how globalization or microcredit might change their life. Share your story with the class and discuss the emotional and social aspects of poverty.
Poverty – The state of having insufficient financial resources to meet basic living needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. – Many government policies aim to reduce poverty by providing support to low-income families.
Extreme – Referring to the highest degree or intensity of a condition, often used to describe severe economic situations. – Extreme poverty is defined as living on less than $1.90 a day, according to the World Bank.
Globalization – The process by which businesses and other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale. – Globalization has led to increased trade and cultural exchange between countries.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university, which is crucial for economic development. – Investing in education can lead to a more skilled workforce and a stronger economy.
Microcredit – Small loans given to individuals who lack access to traditional banking services, often used to support entrepreneurship in developing countries. – Microcredit programs have helped many women start small businesses and improve their economic situation.
Economy – The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society or geographic area. – A strong economy typically features low unemployment and stable inflation rates.
Sustainability – The ability to maintain economic growth without depleting natural resources or harming the environment. – Sustainable practices in agriculture can help ensure food security for future generations.
Challenges – Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome, often in the context of economic or social issues. – One of the major challenges facing the global economy is addressing climate change.
Opportunities – Favorable circumstances or chances for progress and advancement, especially in economic contexts. – The rise of digital technology presents new opportunities for businesses to expand their markets.
Trade – The exchange of goods and services between countries or entities, which is a fundamental component of the global economy. – International trade agreements can help reduce tariffs and increase market access for exporters.
