Examples of absolute poverty would include not knowing when or where your next meal will come from, not having access to clean drinking water, and not having an adequate place to sleep each night. The concept of absolute poverty is not concerned with the broader quality of life issues or with the overall level of inequality in society but is based strictly on whether or not basic needs are being met (UNESCO, 2017). Absolute and relative are the two most common forms of poverty delineated in our society and around the world (Pierson & Thomas, 2010).Ībsolute poverty refers to the amount of money necessary to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. When discussing poverty the terms absolute poverty and relative poverty are often used (Iceland, 2013). Feelings of helplessness, dependence, and inferiority develop easily under these circumstances (Sue, Rasheed, & Rasheed, 2012). The ability to meet even the most basic needs is in constant jeopardy. For many individuals living in poverty, their lives are characterized by low wages, unemployment, underemployment, little property ownership, no savings, and lack of food reserves. Individuals who are living in poverty are made up of all races, ethnicities, ages, backgrounds, and geographic locations (Rodgers, 2015). Even in the wealthiest of countries poverty still exists. Commonly when we think of poverty, we relate it to the images we see on television of malnourished children living in developing countries. Poverty looks different across the world. It is important that all members of our society work together to provide opportunities for all members to reach their full potential. Regardless as to how poverty is defined, it can be agreed that it is a problem requiring everyone’s attention. All current definitions and descriptions agree that poverty is a complex societal problem. To date there is no one standard definition of poverty, but numerous definitions and descriptions. Above is a definition of poverty given by The World Bank Organization. So poverty is a call to action - for the poor and the wealthy alike - a call to change the world so that many more may have enough to eat, adequate shelter, access to education and health, protection from violence, and a voice in what happens in their communities.” – The World Bank OrganizationĪlthough poverty is one of the most familiar and enduring conditions known to humanity, it is a highly complicated concept to understand fully. Most often, poverty is a situation people want to escape. Poverty has many faces, changing from place to place and across time, and has been described in many ways. Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future, living one day at a time. Poverty is not having access to school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Good luck in your studies and go bulldogs! I hope you too will find your passion within the field of social work as I am hopeful that this book will provide you with insight on many of different practice areas. Since graduating in August 2017, I am currently working as a crisis stabilization specialist for Community Mental Health, as I have found that working in the field of mental health is where I am most passionate. My internship experiences include working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault at Women’s information Services Incorporated, working with Community Mental Health practicing crisis intervention and stabilization, and practicing medical social work at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital. My name is Lindsey Bronold, I myself graduated from Ferris State University (FSU) with my Bachelors of Social Work in 2016, and my Masters of Social Work in 2017 go bulldogs! Throughout my academic journey I was able to gain incredible experiences in the field through my undergraduate and graduate level internships.
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