Poverty In Countries Research Articles

Parallel Plights in Advancing Menstrual Equity: A Scoping Review of Period Poverty in India and the United States.

As calls for improved menstrual health management have gained momentum in sociopolitical contexts, period poverty and menstrual equity have gradually been established and recognized in the discipline of public health. These conversations typically take place in the context of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where donor-sponsored projects are already underway. Nevertheless, research on period poverty in high-income countries (HICs) is seldom performed. In addition, current literature on the topic tends to generalize HICs and LMICs, thereby ignoring crucial cultural and socioeconomic distinctions that necessitate a more detailed comparison of individual countries facing period poverty. This case examines the current body of research on period poverty in the United States and India, and compares the causes, effects, and approaches toward ameliorating this phenomenon. Through performing a scoping review of the current literature on period poverty, this case illustrates that-as opposed to the breadth of research available on period poverty in LMICs-research on period poverty in HICs is underrepresented. In addition, the findings demonstrate a stunning parallel between the contributing factors of period poverty in India and the United States, suggesting that the current approach to isolate conversations on the topic based on regional economic incongruencies is inappropriate. Finally, this case identifies dismantling the stigmatization of periods, investing in water or hygiene infrastructure, promoting the economic mobilization of females, and reforming menstrual health curricula in schools as essential to ending period poverty.

Environmental Degradation: Issues and Determinants in Middle-Income Countries ASEAN

This study is aimed at analyzing the impact of foreign direct investment, foreign debts, consumption of fossil fuel, corruption, political stability and net-export on environmental degradation, poverty and economic growth in middle-income countries in ASEAN. The method applied is simultaneous equation analysis by taking into account classical assumption tests such as granger causality and heteroskedasticity. The Data started during the years 2010-2023 in middle-income countries in ASEAN. Poverty, economic growth, foreign direct investment, fossil fuel consumption have a significant effect on environmental degradation. Environmental degradation, economic growth, foreign debt, have a significant effect on poverty. Environmental degradation, poverty and net export on economic growth of ASEAN middle-income countries. The government and related parties need to focus on controlling environmental impacts, reducing poverty, and managing inclusive economic growth through a sustainable approach.

Will dependency ratio matter the economic welfare of the geographically isolated and disadvantaged households in the province of Samar, Philippines?

The study employed descriptive-exploratory research methods to examine the dependency ratio and economic welfare of geographically isolated and disadvantaged households in Samar Province, Philippines. It aimed to determine the demographic profiles of the respondents, including age, gender, civil status, highest educational attainment, occupation, family type, number of household members, and dwelling type. The study explored the dependency ratio, economic welfare status (in terms of consumption and expenditures), and the relationship between the dependency ratio and economic welfare. Households (n=88) were systematically sampled from 14 municipalities in Samar, Philippines. The findings revealed that these households had a high dependency ratio, and their economic welfare was below the country's poverty line. It was also found that the number of unproductive members did not significantly affect the households' economic welfare, while the productive population had a direct positive impact. Furthermore, as the household head aged, there was a direct negative effect on the household's economic welfare. Further, as the household head ages, there appears to be a negative impact on the economic welfare of the household. Interestingly, while the dependency ratio did not significantly influence economic welfare, it highlighted the increasing strain on the working population and the broader economy to support and provide necessary social services for the dependent population.

Nursing Students' Perceptions of Learning Through a Service Learning Programme with Older Adults Living in Poverty in a High-Income Country: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Living in poverty negatively affects the biopsychosocial health of older adults. Nursing students need to develop competence to promote health and self-care behaviours amongst older adults living in poverty in high-income countries. To explore nursing students' perceptions of a service learning programme aimed at promoting health and self-care among older adults living in poverty in a high-income country. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 37 nursing students recruited from a university in Southeastern Spain. Participants completed a service learning programme in which they conducted preventive home visits to older adults living in poverty. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Three key themes were developed: (1) service learning as a different way of learning, (2) as an active learning approach to bridge the theory-practice gap, and (3) to provide insight into an unknown side of nursing. By providing opportunities for active, experiential learning in real-world contexts, service learning was perceived by the nursing students as a methodology that helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Participating in a service learning programme with older adults living in poverty not only fosters emotional engagement, reflective practice, and the development of essential non-technical skills in nursing students, but it also prepares them to advocate for older adults living in poverty in a high-income country.

Poverty and Social Exclusion in European Countries

Abstract Research background Social exclusion and poverty constitute pressing issues in contemporary societies and significant obstacles to achieving sustainable social development. In contemporary Europe, they are recognised as one of the most severe social problems. Consequently, the pursuit of research in this domain appears entirely justified. Purpose This paper aims to examine the disparities in levels of poverty and social exclusion among European Union countries, employing an analysis of the indicators delineated in Agenda 2030. Research methodology The linear ordering and determination of the typological groups of objects was conducted using a method based on the median Weber vector. To ascertain potential changes in the phenomenon under investigation, the survey was conducted in two years: 2015 and 2022. Results The linear ordering of objects, as presented in the paper, revealed that Romania, Bulgaria and Latvia consistently exhibited the highest levels of poverty and social exclusion, regardless of the year studied. In 2015, Greece was also included in this Group. Conversely, nations situated in the northern regions of Europe, including Scandinavian countries, consistently demonstrated the lowest levels of the studied phenomenon. The empirical research results thus underscore substantial disparities between developed and developing countries. Novelty The paper makes a valuable contribution to the current European and global academic discourse on poverty and social exclusion, both recognised as formidable social challenges worldwide.

Energy Poverty Alleviation in the Era of Energy Transition—Case Study of Poland and Sweden

The energy transition, aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, presents both opportunities and challenges in addressing energy poverty. This article explores the differing approaches of Poland and Sweden in energy poverty alleviation within the context of this transition. Poland, with its historical dependence on coal, faces considerable obstacles as it seeks to shift towards cleaner energy sources while minimizing the impact on vulnerable populations. Conversely, Sweden, supported by its advanced energy infrastructure and strong welfare systems, has implemented effective strategies that have largely mitigated energy poverty, though challenges persist for low-income households, especially in rural areas. The article delves into the definitions, drivers, and alleviation strategies of energy poverty in both countries. Through a comprehensive literature review and the analysis of key initiatives such as Poland’s Clean Air Program and Sweden’s Warm Rent scheme, the study underscores the potential for policy interventions to address energy poverty. It concludes with recommendations on how both countries can further reduce energy poverty, highlighting the critical role of energy efficiency, social support systems, and the integration of renewable energy in achieving a fair and equitable energy transition.

Pengaruh Kemiskinan terhadap Praktik Dinasti Politik di Indonesia dan Filipina Tahun 2017-2021

This article aims to determine the influence between poverty and the expansion of political dynasties in the Philippines and Indonesia in 2017-2021. To provide comprehensive empirical, testing is carried out using multiple linear regression tests. The author uses multiple linear regression tests. The author uses three independent variables representing wealth through the variable Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Per Capita, welfare through the Human Development Index (HDI), and inequality through the Gini Ratio. As a result, the author finds empirical findings about the influence of poverty on political dynasties in both countries. In the Philippines, only wealth and prosperity can affect political dynasties. While in Indonesia, only wealth and prosperity can affect political dynasties. In general, poverty in both countries contributes to the expansion of political dynasties.

Experiences of mental health and poverty in high-income countries during COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-aggregation

Systematic reviews have been published that explore the experiences of living in poverty, yet there are no known studies that have synthesized the findings of research exploring the experiences of mental health and wellbeing of persons living in poverty during COVID-19. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative evidence using the method described by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) following the PRISMA guidelines. Of 8391 titles and abstracts screened, we included 23 studies in our review and meta-aggregation. In conducting our meta-aggregation, we generated three synthesized findings: 1) magnification of inequities and marginalization during COVID-19; 2) difficulty accessing resources during the lockdown; and 3) the lockdown causing changes in mental health and wellbeing. The findings of this review suggest that persons living in poverty experienced increased difficulties with mental health and well-being during COVID-19. This was largely influenced by the presence of pandemic restrictions and increasing financial precarity that resulted in rising levels of psychosocial distress. Research regarding the plight of persons living in low income is needed to inform policy and practice for future pandemics in order to decrease the vulnerability of this population. Implementing evidence-informed policies and practices that mitigate the negative psychological effects of physical distancing restrictions on persons living in poverty are needed, and these can be identified through future research efforts.

Income and inequality pathways consistent with eradicating poverty

Abstract To investigate concurrent climate action and poverty eradication, we present combined income growth (GDP/capita) and domestic income inequality (measured as Gini coefficients) pathways that pursue (absolute and relative) poverty eradication reflecting the three narratives of Sustainable Development Pathway (SDP). The GDP/capita pathways are modifications of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP1 scenario, including one post-growth future for high-income countries and higher growth for all currently lower-income countries. Current inequality levels, together with the total national income from the GDP pathways, determine the inequality reductions required to eradicate poverty in individual countries; they are based on a methodology that specifies the relationship between poverty, inequality, and growth. Our pathways show rapid and sustained reductions in within-country inequality (Gini), even with high economic growth. The speed of redistribution is limited to the highest historically observed changes in inequality. We identify which countries face the greatest difficulties in meeting their poverty eradication targets and estimate the level of international transfers needed to fill the gap for those countries. Our findings reconfirm the importance of reducing within-country inequality in eradicating global poverty.

Inter-Nation Equity And The Regulation of Tax Competition via the Global Minimum Tax Rule: A Case for Improvement

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an institution that influences policymaking in international tax law, and it is changing the international tax architecture to deal with tax competition by encouraging countries to adopt a global minimum tax rule. This emerging rule – called Pillar Two in international tax circles – is inadequate for dealing with poverty and inequality in an asymmetrical global context. The rule is premised on the notion and argument that tax competition is a problem for international tax law. Notwithstanding, there is existing research and evidence to show that tax competition can also be a solution to the enormous challenge of poverty and inequality as it can have a redistributive effect. This is a valuable factor amid the inefficiently asymmetrical global society with extreme poverty in many countries and enormous wealth in a few others.This article submits that the Pillar Two minimum tax rule – the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Rules encompassing the income inclusion rule (IIR), undertaxed payment/profit rule (UTPR), and qualified domestic minimum top-up tax (QDMTT) – should incorporate inter-nation equity to prevent exacerbating global inequality and poverty. Pillar Two intensifies these for at least two reasons: (1) it restricts the positive redistributive effects of tax competition on an inefficiently asymmetrical global society, and (2) it encourages tax competition more suited for high-income countries (HICs) and less suited for those that are low-income countries (LICs). There is latitude to incorporate a differentiated principle deriving from inter-nation equity into this new Pillar Two rule designed to regulate tax competition globally. This proposal requires that the emerging rule be disenabled in certain circumstances to enable LICs to choose whether to apply the rule without being worse off. The article’s proposal seeks to allow LICs room for effective tax competition needed to attain sustainable development goals.

Impact of digital divide on energy poverty across the globe: The mediating role of income inequality

Energy poverty is an important reality facing the whole world, and the rapid development of digital technology has great potential in eradicating poverty. However, the differences in the level of information development have led to the existence of the digital divide within countries. In this context, this paper explores whether and how the digital divide affects energy poverty from a global perspective. Based on cross-country panel data, this study focuses on the effect and asymmetry of the digital divide on energy poverty. The results show that the digital divide hinders the reduction of energy poverty and manifests itself in a Matthew effect that makes the energy poor poorer. Second, the heterogeneity analysis based on income level and rural-urban areas find that the digital divide has a greater negative impact on energy poverty in low-income countries and rural areas. Finally, the mechanism analysis reveals that the digital divide exacerbates energy poverty mainly by increasing income inequality. Therefore, there is a greater need to focus on the efficiency, equity and inclusive development of the digital economy in the process of its globalization. The findings can also provide an empirical basis for policy design to bridge the digital divide and alleviate energy poverty.

International social work as a human rights profession in the global society: Challenges and implications of the Sustainable Development Goals

This article discusses the importance of international social work in a global society. In an increasingly globalised world, we are interconnected in many ways and interdependent in a complex geopolitical (dis)order. This also applies to those involved in social work as a human rights profession. For a long time, the idea was that social workers had to act solely on a national level and that looking beyond one's own country could be refreshing but was unnecessary. However, we know how important international relationships, networks, and scientific exchanges are today. Geopolitical decisions often affect social work and its target groups at their core. Existential poverty and unemployment in countries of the Global South led to flight and migration to countries of the Global North. Crises such as wars or natural disasters have a wide range of effects on global value chains. The unequal distribution of poverty and wealth leads to asymmetrical power relations, which are not least the legacy of colonial and apartheid influence. This makes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations even more important. If, for example, the first goal in SDG 1 is formulated as "No poverty", then this poses numerous challenges for social work stakeholders in municipalities, states, and nations, to which they must find an answer. These challenge social work on several levels. The following article aims to discuss these challenges at macro-, meso- and micro levels and formulate mandates for action for international social work stakeholders. The aim is to contribute to forming a professional understanding that is defined beyond national structures and mandates.

Poverty, Inequality, and Social Protection in Ethiopia: A Policy Brief

In this brief commentary the author argues that social protection is not a useful approach to addressing poverty and inequality in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Instead, the author suggests focusing on wealth creation and the capability development approach to poverty reduction. To achieve this, the author proposes targeted state investment expenditure to enhance the productive capabilities of the economically vulnerable population. Besides, the social protection system should prioritize the design and implementation of livelihood improving investment programs, as in-kind or cash transfer support is not sustainable given the elevated level of economic vulnerability. The effectiveness of Ethiopia’s social protection system lies on improving coverage, targeting deserving individuals, and sustainable financing solutions.

The Challenges and Opportunities of Entrepreneurial in Rural Areas: Case of Selected Ten Counties in Northeast North Carolina

This paper examines the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in Northeast North Carolina. Entrepreneurship has been practicing for many years in several countries and it has been a driving force for alleviating poverty in many countries especially in developing nations. Many policy makers and scholars strongly believe that economic growth can be achieved through entrepreneurship. The main objective of the paper was to identify the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Northeast North Carolina. The paper selected ten counties in Northeast North Carolina to examine the challenges that hindered the progress of entrepreneurs because they are not different from other entrepreneurs in developed and developing countries. To address the challenges of women entrepreneurs, it is significant to understand these challenges facing entrepreneurs in the ten selected counties in Northeast North Carolina. The paper concluded and recommended that government should encourage and support entrepreneurs in Northeast North Carolina so as to promote economic growth especially the affected ten counties

Effect of spatial scale, color infrared and sample size on learning poverty from aerial images

There is a growing amount of literature that focuses on using machine learning algorithms to predict poverty from satellite and aerial images on a low regional level, particularly for countries without a high-quality official statistical system. The data used for annotating images and training an algorithm are generally based on sample surveys. In The Netherlands, statistics on income and poverty are derived from tax registers resulting in a complete enumeration of the Dutch population. In this paper, we use this complete enumeration to simulate to which extent satellite or aerial images can predict poverty on low regional levels. After geocoding these households, aerial images are annotated and a deep learning algorithm is trained to predict poverty. The precision of the predictions is evaluated by comparing it with the true poverty fractions known from tax registers. The effect of different spatial scales (1-ha vs. 25-ha images), spectral bands (RGB vs. CIR), and sample sizes for the training set are compared. It is discussed how this information can be used in the production of low regional statistics on poverty in countries where high-quality official statistical systems are lacking.

Application of Agricultural Solutions to Sustainable Development of Rural AreasAn Institutional Approach

The paper espoused an agricultural solution to sustainable development goals as enunciated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. Secondary sources of information including internet sources and field experience were used to articulate an agriculture solution to sustainable development of rural areas in Nigeria. Nigeria government released a report on poverty and inequality survey in the country that shows that 40% of total population or almost 83 million people live below the country poverty line of 137,430 naira ($381.75) per year. Further, Nigeria Bureau of Statistics went on to distribute the poverty rate for urban and rural areas as 18.04% and 52.10% respectively with Lagos State standing at 4.5% and Sokoto State 87.73% thereby engendering instability in the polity – within and between the federating units. It is therefore an understatement to aver for paradigm shift in the current strategy against poverty as the country is already overwhelmed by its collateral effect – kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, insurgency etc. The article is written to frontally address the proximate causes of poverty in Nigeria as a panacea to the debilitating attrition of the nation’s social economic life. An institutional approach to development planning based on each community autonomous economic activity research result is advocated. It became obvious that such plan and especially programs for agricultural and rural development is adapted to the needs of the rural man who is the focus and central object. The importance of the plan and sustainable development goal agenda to be anchored on the youth is also elucidated.

A Study on the Measurement of Relative Poverty in Developing Countries with Large Populations

Under the goal of global poverty eradication, it has become a forward-looking research aim to establish relative poverty criteria and identify people experiencing relative poverty in countries with different demographic characteristics. This paper introduces a new method to measure the relative poverty standard, which is to use the fuzzy decision tree algorithm to objectively estimate the relative poverty standard. The advantage of this algorithm lies in (1) it not only maintaining the regression idea of measuring absolute poverty, but also emphasizing the nonlinearity when the demand is increasing, which can reflect the change in human needs. (2) It overcomes the division of the traditional method which clearly distinguishes between those experiencing poverty and those who are not by means of a subjective threshold, and it also avoids the subjectivity of the selection of multidimensional indicators. (3) It overcomes the problems of data skewness and extreme value issues that traditional methods have, and can exhibit multi-dimensional characteristics. (4) Most importantly, this method can overcome the gap problem caused by the complex population structure in developing countries with huge populations, and is more adaptable under big data conditions than traditional methods. Taking China as an example, using data from the China Household Finance Survey for validation, the validation results show that the relative poverty standard in China in 2019 can be approximately delineated as 5288.5 RMB; this result is higher than the absolute poverty standard line delineated in China in that year, lower than the relative poverty standard line measured using the proportion method, and it can satisfy the average per capita food, tobacco, and alcohol consumption expenditure of Chinese residents in that year. Thus, compared with other methods, the fuzzy decision tree algorithm can better match the identification of relative poverty in developing countries with large populations.

An inquiry into the nexus between artificial intelligence and energy poverty in the light of global evidence

Energy poverty is a global challenge that constrains economic development, jeopardizes people's health, and impedes the improvement of people's lives. Artificial intelligence (AI) could be an important tool to reverse this dilemma. We utilize a panel data covering 64 countries during 2000–2019 to examine AI's impact on energy poverty. The findings reveal that the application of AI effectively alleviates energy poverty. After a series of robustness checks, this conclusion remains valid. Moreover, heterogeneity tests show that AI significantly alleviates energy poverty in high-income countries and lower-middle-income countries, but this positive influence is not found in upper-middle-income countries. Mechanism tests indicate that the application of AI can generate economic effects, driving technological progress and enhancing human capital, thereby easing energy poverty. Further discussion reveals AI's impact on energy poverty is long-lasting. In addition, its effects are more prominent in countries that do not participate in cooperative organizations. Our findings offer a fresh perspective and approach to improving the global state of energy poverty. Based on these conclusions, we provide relevant policy implications.

Green energy policies and energy poverty in Europe: Assessing low carbon dependency and energy productivity

This study examines the dynamics of the transition to green economies in relation to energy poverty in European countries. By employing augmented mean group (AMG) and fully modified ordinary least squares estimations (FMOLS), we find empirical evidence that indicates the influence of variables representing the processes of transitioning to green economies on energy poverty. To further elucidate these relationships, Granger causality analysis was conducted. The findings of this research contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the transition to green economies from the perspective of energy productivity. It is observed that improvements in energy productivity are associated with a reduction in the prevalence of energy poverty. Additionally, a noteworthy relationship is identified between energy poverty and the consumption of green energy, whereby an increase in energy poverty corresponds to an increase in the proportion of green energy within the overall energy consumption mix. Accordingly, it is recommended that public policies complement the transition to green societies with measures aimed at ensuring adequate energy provision for the population.

Social transfer policies and child poverty in European countries: Evaluating policy alternatives through a multiobjective programming model

Child poverty remains a significant concern across Europe and citizens regard policy interventions that effectively address this issue to be of utmost importance. In this work, we analyse the potential of social transfer policy alternatives to alleviate child and overall poverty simultaneously in European countries. Using a logistic regression to define the objective functions and constraints, we rely on multiobjective programming to assess key features of national social transfer systems that can minimize child and overall poverty and tend to equal both levels downwards. Taking into account the starting levels of each country, the results underline the importance of finding an adequate combination of pro-child and pro-poor targeting of social transfer policies. For most European countries, an increase in the level of cash benefits for children is advisable – particularly universal benefits – except in Croatia, the Netherlands, and Norway. Nonetheless, in France, Greece, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain, the recommended proportion of GDP allocated to universal cash benefits is lower than the proportion allocated to means-tested benefits. In this regard, our research provides an innovative approach for policymakers to optimize poverty reduction strategies by contributing valuable insights for the design and implementation of effective social transfer policies to combat child and overall poverty in European countries.