Poverty is often considered an issue of developing nations and many are unaware of the high number of Australians who are affected. In 2010, 1 in 8 people was living at or below the poverty line, which amounts to 12.8% of the Australian population (Australian Council of Social Service, 2012). The statistics are even more concerning when one considers that 17.3% of children are living in disadvantage (Australian Council of Social Service, 2012).
Poverty is a broad and complex condition and cannot be attributed to one cause or be solved with one solution. Situational or transient poverty tends to be a short-term effect of a set of circumstances, whilst inter-generational or chronic poverty persists for the long term and over generations. The causes can be individual, such as marriage breakdown, losing a job, health issues, abuse, or an environmental disaster like as a cyclone (see Cheal, 2002; Harper, Marcus, & Moore, 2003; The Salvation Army, 2010). Causes can also be structural, which are those that “relate to economic, political, or social failings”, such as a lack of access to education or services, institutional discrimination, economic downturn, and areas with limited employment opportunities (The Salvation Army, 2010, p. 39). The interaction of these factors creates a complexity that must be addressed holistically and with individual circumstances in mind, whilst also tackling the structural inequalities. Solution-based approaches include education, social role models and support, employment, health services, and affordable housing (see Glewwe, Jacoby, & King, as cited in Harper et al., 2003).
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During the past 18 years, the number of families facing poverty has risen nearly 5% (Australian Council of Social Service, 2011), making it a growing and urgent problem. With the aim of moving into community development/casework for disadvantaged families, I have chosen to examine poverty because it is an issue that is relevant to everyone and can affect anyone. My current role involves some interactions with disadvantaged families, which has developed my interest in understanding poverty and working with the people who experience it. In order to work effectively with these families it is crucial to understand the issues that have led them to poverty and those that can keep them there. For example:
It is also necessary to understand the assumptions held by the general public so one might understand the potential prejudices and discrimination disadvantaged families face, as well as their frustrations. |
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