The inability to provide for one's fundamental necessities and a lack of financial means define poverty, a complex socioeconomic problem. It is a widespread issue that has an impact on countries that are both industrialized and developing. The effects of poverty can be devastating for both individuals and communities. It may result in exclusion from society, poor physical and mental health, limited educational opportunities, and hunger. Additionally, poverty feeds an endless cycle that is challenging to break. There are numerous reasons for poverty, and they may vary depending on the environment. It's critical to understand that poverty is a dynamic state that can change over time for both individuals and communities. A thorough strategy is needed to combat poverty, one that takes into account both short-term need and long-term remedies. 

      Raising wages can be an effective strategy to reduce poverty, as it directly increases the income of low-wage workers. “The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This rate applies to covered nonexempt workers” (Minimum 1).  In certain places, the federal or state minimum wage might be sufficient, but not in high-cost urban areas. This means that in expensive areas, minimum wage workers struggle to afford housing, transportation, and other necessities. “The minimum wage for employees who receive tips is $2.13 per hour” (Minimum 1). In the United States and some other countries, there is a separate, lower minimum wage for tipped workers.  Due to their extremely fluctuating revenue and reliance on variables like the generosity of clients, these workers may experience financial instability. The uncertainty of income and the reliance on tips can also take a toll on the mental health of workers in these industries. The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the income of tipped workers as restaurants and hospitality establishments faced restrictions and closures. Many workers in these industries lost their jobs or faced reduced income during this time. “Due to the lockdowns and rigid restrictions on food service operations due to COVID-19, countless food service employees have been laid off or furloughed or have experienced a reduced number of working hours. In fact, the food service industry has been one of the hardest hit in the economy by the pandemic” (Lee). For this reason, wage increases are so important since greater salaries enable workers to better support their families and themselves as well as meet their basic necessities. However, it's important to note that raising wages can also have potential downsides, such as increased labor costs for businesses, which could lead to job cuts or increased prices for consumers. Therefore, policy discussions around raising wages often involve a balance between improving the well-being of low-wage workers and considering the potential impact on businesses and employment.

      Healthcare can significantly help alleviate poverty by improving the overall well-being and economic stability of individuals. “Compared to higher-income Americans, low-income people face greater barriers to accessing medical care” (Khullar). People who have access to healthcare services can get screenings, routine checkups, and immunizations, as well as other preventive treatment. This can lessen the financial burden by identifying and treating health conditions before they worsen and become more expensive to treat. “Even after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more than twenty-seven million Americans remain uninsured—the majority of whom are low-income people” (Khullar). In order to maintain themselves and their families and make a living, many people put their health at risk while working. It could be hard for them to decline work, even if it puts their health at danger, because they don't have a lot of money or other job opportunities. When people have access to healthcare and receive necessary treatments, they are more likely to remain healthy and productive in the workforce. This leads to greater income stability and economic well-being. The potential of children to thrive academically and overcome poverty as adults is strongly correlated with their health. “For the 6.8 million children living in deep poverty (those with family incomes of less than half of poverty), there are adverse consequences across the life course related to nutrition, environmental exposures, chronic illness, and language development” (Khullar). Regular healthcare check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment of chronic conditions can ensure children are healthy and can focus on their education. Healthcare access can contribute to reducing income inequality by providing a safety net for those with lower incomes. It helps level the playing field by ensuring that individuals do not face insurmountable health-related barriers to economic success. 

      Since it provides people with the opportunity, knowledge, and skills necessary to enhance their general well-being and economic prospects, education is essential in decreasing poverty. “A 2021 study co-published by Stanford University and Munich’s Ludwig Maximilian University shows us that, between 1960 and 2000, 75% of the growth in gross domestic product around the world was linked to increased math and science skills” (Giovetti). Education often leads to higher earning potential. People with higher levels of education are more likely to secure better-paying jobs and have greater opportunities for career advancement. Numerous career options become available to one with a well-rounded education. It can give the knowledge and credentials required to enter fields with high pay and stable employment. In addition to being essential for enhancing personal financial security, education for the impoverished also contributes significantly to combating climate change and advancing sustainability. “A 2014 issue of the journal Ecology and Society states: “It is found that highly educated individuals are better aware of the earthquake risk … and are more likely to undertake disaster preparedness.… High risk awareness associated with education thus could contribute to vulnerability reduction behaviors” (Giovetti). Education has the power to increase understanding of the causes and effects of climate change. When people are informed about the impacts of climate change, they are more likely to take actions to mitigate it and adapt to its effects. Education provides the foundation for innovation and research. It gives people, even those from low-income families, the information and abilities they need to create novel technology and solutions to the problems posed by climate change. Healthier moms and kids are another benefit of education. “Examining 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers from the World Bank and International Center for Research on Women found that educated women tend to have fewer children and have them later in life” (Giovetti). Women with lower incomes might not have as much access to education and knowledge regarding safe pregnancy practices and appropriate prenatal care. Lack of education can result in less awareness about the importance of prenatal care and can lead to poor health choices during pregnancy. Education can break the cycle of poverty. A strong education increases the likelihood that people will provide their children the same chances, improving economic well-being across generations. 

       It's critical to understand the connections between these variables since a complete strategy for reducing poverty frequently calls for addressing each one at the same time. Moreover, any effective approach to eradicate poverty must include social safety nets, government regulations, and activities to ensure fair access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. The best approach to raise people's economic status and that of their communities is to use a mix of programs and initiatives that deal with the underlying causes of poverty.

 

 

Work Cited 

Giovetti, O. (2022, April 17). How does education affect poverty? It can help end it. Concernusa.org. https://concernusa.org/news/how-does-education-affect-poverty/

Khullar, D., & Chokshi, D. (2018). Health, Income, & Poverty: Where We Are & What Could Help. Health Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1377/hpb20180817.901935

Lee, S., & Ham, S. (2021). Food service industry in the era of COVID-19: trends and research implications. Nutrition Research and Practice, 15(Suppl 1), S22. https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2021.15.s1.s22

Minimum wage | Usagov. (2023, June 16). Www.usa.gov. https://www.usa.gov/minimum-wage#:~:text=The%20