Defining the Cycle of Poverty
The cycle starts when a child is born into a poor family with zero or limited financial resources to create opportunities for advancement. It is typically defined by poor families who have been impoverished for at least three generations. In the U.S., the 2021 poverty line was set at $12,880, or about $35.29 per day per individual.
In the US the official poverty rate was 11.4% of the total U.S. population. Globally, 9.2% of people live in extreme poverty which is defined as surviving on $1.90 per day per person.
Four Types of Poverty
Cyclically Poor - People who are poor over long periods of time, resulting in consistently living below the poverty line even if their incomes fluctuate.
Usually Poor - People who are generally in poverty except in times of unanticipated income, such as a family member's finding a job or rain after a long drought.
Cyclically Poor - People whose periods of poverty are less severe but more consistent than the occasionally poor.
Occasionally Poor - People who spend long stretches of time above the poverty line but can be left vulnerable by unexpected events, such as a fire or natural disaster.
The Cycle of Poverty and Socioeconomic Issues
Being trapped in the cycle of poverty commonly correlates with other socioeconomic challenges:
1) Reduced Quality of Education or none at all
2) Poor quality of Housing
3) Higher Crime Rates
4) Reduced Access to Healthcare
5) Fewer Sources of Healthy and Affordable Foods
Breaking the cycle requires strategies for improvement in these 5 areas. Establishing food assistance and encouraging the building of grocery and health food stores in underserved areas. Expanding existing food access programs such as SNAP and WIC can enhance food security. Investing in family and child-focused poverty programs through educational co-ops to provide services and resources. Helping families attain housing and homeownership through government programs. This will help to provide stability in other areas such as education and academics.
