Discuss the causes and effects of poverty towards society
Have you ever wondered using this phrase ‘You are what you eat’ in your daily basis?
It is true that when you are fed fat, you will eventually be fat. In the other hand, if you fed
anger, you will eventually be mad. So, if you are fed poor, you will eventually be poor. This is
how the people who are living in poverty are fighting to prevent this saying to happen in their
lives. As poverty is one of the most driving forces of inequality worldwide until today, people
living in poverty are unable to contribute to the society effectively and not able to receive
proper income for their daily needs. They resemble powerless, uncertainty and hopeless to the
society and community leading to an unproper living lifestyle. Hence, there are some causes
influencing poverty such as overpopulation and poor education and the effects of poverty are
an increase in criminal activities and a raise in health complications.
Firstly, a country with overpopulated citizens can affect poverty. Mostly, in Third World
countries, people face abundance of food shortages and water scarcity. As overpopulated
countries consist more people rather than infrastructures and jobs available, this is where
unemployment comes in leading to poverty. Nevertheless, overpopulation comes with a lower
standard of living and economic opportunity leading to massive stunted economic growth in
one’s nation. For instance, stated by the United Nations, it is predicted that the world population
will reach 11 billion by the end of the 21st century which defines overpopulation. Hence,
overpopulation with rapid speed of new-born babies each year leads towards poverty.
Subsequently, people with poor education lives in poverty. This is mainly caused by the
inability to access children to enter school with sufficient financial support from the parents
who are also living in poverty. On top of that, by gaining additional skills in communication
and problem solving and achieving goals, it can also increase one’s confidence. As a matter of
fact, people with less interest on studying or has the mindset in ignoring what the future paths
hold will have poor education leading them towards less job opportunities which can earn
sufficient income. For an example, in a Third World country, citizens with poor education
would not read or do basic mathematics will not able to apply jobs easily. Hence, if all adults
completed secondary education, the global poverty rate will be cut by more than half.
Based on the causes descripted above, poverty can also bring upon severe effects towards
the society.
The first effect of poverty towards society is the increase in criminal activities. Poverty can
also produce violent crimes because force is an easy way to get a large quantity of goods.
Poverty can lead to high levels of stress that in turn may lead individuals to commit theft,
robbery, or other violent acts. Many impoverished criminals feel the hope of treasures is worth
the possibility of being caught. For example, criminal offenses and activities such as child
abuse and even murder for the purpose of gaining more money from the illegal benefits. Thus,
poverty causes desire, and in turn, increases the crime rate.
Lastly, poverty leaves an impact towards society by raising the poverty communities’ health
complications. The main health complication people in poverty face are chronic hunger. Since
the poor cannot afford health care, this will make them more susceptible to disease. For instance,
variety of adverse health outcomes, including shorter life expectancy, higher rates of infant
mortality, and higher death rates for the 14 leading causes of death. Furthermore, Children
living in poverty are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and diet-related problems
leading to malnutrition. Hence, poverty can lead to health complications in states of physical,
mental, and social well-being.
In conclusion, overpopulation and poor education are the most significant factors for poverty.
In the other hand, increase in criminal activities and an increase in health complications are
considered the most brutal effects of poverty towards the society. Therefore, the World
governments should start planning the solutions of reducing poverty in each nation. Hence,
population control is the main solution to problems of poverty. Countries should be limiting
the citizens such as reducing birth rate and the entry of new citizens from overseas. In short,
citizens hope that they will have adequate infrastructure, stable income, and maintain good
health especially in the Third World countries to avert a catastrophe.