Poverty: What is it and what is it not? A concept analysis
Journal Title: International Journal of Health Sciences and Research - Year 2017, Vol 7, Issue 5
Abstract
Objectives: There is no single “correct” definition of poverty. However, there is consensus that any definition of poverty needs to acknowledge particular social, economic and cultural contexts. Different meanings of poverty results in different policy implementations in the context of human poverty. There is also less agreement as to whether objective or subjective definitions and measurements of poverty are more valid. Participatory approaches however point to the need to let people define for themselves what it means to be poor and define the magnitude, causes and consequences of being poor. The major focus of this paper was to clarify, explain and define the concept of poverty. Methods: A concept analysis of poverty was done using the eight steps of Walker and Avant’s strategic method. Initially 20 articles from 1995-2017 were reviewed. Seven articles were later dropped and thirteen articles were finally reviewed to deduce the definition of poverty. Results: The main antecedents of poverty identified in literature include ignorance, laziness, and lack of skill, lack of capital, dependency, poor infrastructure, unemployment, dishonesty and presence of diseases. Attributes of poverty identified in literature include lack of adequate income, ill-being, and lack of capability and functioning, lack of assets and material things, vulnerability, lack of education, social exclusion, and deprivation, powerless and voiceless. The resultant consequences of poverty were severe diseases, hunger, malnutrition, increased morbidity and mortality from illness, school dropping out, social discrimination, corruption, abuse and lack of general services. Empirical referents which are fundamental to poverty for future health and poverty research methodology in poverty eradication include Human Development Index (HDI) and Human Poverty Index(HPI). These indices are helpful in mapping poverty differences between countries and view poverty trends over time. Conclusion: The definition of poverty provided in this concept analysis will facilitate proper interpretation of the meaning of poverty and standardization of tools used to measure and monitor poverty. Poverty eradication purports to positively affect the economic growth of nations and hence improve the well-being of individuals.
Authors and Affiliations
Simba Gwariro
Keywords
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