MULTI-DIMENSIONAL ASPECTS OF POVERTY 1. Definitions a.

(UNDP) Poverty means that opportunities and choices most basic to human development are denied - that is, human development - to lead a long, healthy, creative life and to enjoy a decent standard of living, freedom, dignity, self-respect and the respect of others. b. (World Bank) Poverty is pronounced deprivation in wellbeing. To be poor is to be hungry, to lack shelter and clothing, to be sick and not cared for, to be illiterate and not schooled, to be exposed to risk and be particularly vulnerable to adverse events outside one's control, to be treated badly by the institutions of state and society and to be voiceless and powerless in those institutions. c. (ADB) Poverty is a deprivation of essential assets and opportunities to which every human is entitled. Everyone should have access to basic education and primary health services. Poor households have the right to sustain themselves by their labor and be reasonably rewarded, as well as have some protection from external shocks. Beyond income and basic services, individuals and societies are also poor-and tend to remain soif they are not empowered to participate in making the decisions that shape their lives. d. (Republic Act No. 8425 - Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, 1997) The poor refers to individuals and families whose incomes fall below the official poverty threshold as defined by the government and/or cannot afford to provide in a sustained manner for their minimum basic needs for food, health, education, housing, and other social amenities of life. 2. Three Perspectives a. Income poverty - based on a defined poverty line, which most countries have calculated, usually along consumption and income lines: having the income needed for a specified amount of food b. Basic needs perspective - deprivation of material requirements for minimally acceptable fulfillment of human needs, including food, basic health and education, access to clean water, sanitation, shelter c. Capability perspective - the absence of some basic capabilities to function: lacking the opportunity to achieve some minimally acceptable levels of these functionings, from basic food, clothing, shelter to more complex social achievements like participation 3. Poverty, Deprivation, Vulnerability, Marginality a. Economiclack of assets (e.g. land, housing, tools, carabaos, savings); lack of income and employment b. Sociallack of access to services (e.g. water, sanitation, health, education, shelter) or social protection schemes and safety nets; exclusion by virtue of one's status or situation c. Politicallack of power, lack of control over one's life, and lack of participation in decisions affecting one's life and the life of one's family d. Social Psychologicalsense of powerlessness, lack of self-worth, despair, apathy, ill-health

Multi-Dimensional Aspects of Poverty

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