Why Should I Care About Someone Else’s Poverty?
In today’s world, over 700 million people struggle to access basic human needs such as health, education, and clean water. Even in the wealthiest countries, 30 million children grow up in poverty.
World Bank economist Roy Van der Weide emphasizes in his report titled “How Fair is Intergenerational Economic Mobility Worldwide?” that poverty is passed from generation to generation, and an individual whose parents are in the low-income group is likely to remain in the low-income group. The chance of economic mobility for children born into families with higher educational levels is twice as high as those born into families with lower educational levels. This is due to parents being able to spend more on their children’s education and the higher educational levels of parents having more qualitative effects on their children.
According to the report, the probability of transitioning from the bottom 50% income group to the highest 25% income group in Turkey is approximately as follows:
For the population born in the 1940s, it is 4%.
For the population born in the 1960s, it is 14%.
For the population born in the 1980s, it is 17%.
On the other hand, let’s look at the results of the monthly research conducted by the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ), which regularly examines the living conditions of employees, for November 2023:
- The monthly food expenditure required for a four-person family to be able to eat healthily, balanced, and adequately (subsistence level) is 14,025 TL.
- The total amount of mandatory monthly expenditures for clothing, housing (rent, electricity, water, fuel), transportation, education, health, and other needs, along with food expenses (living wage), is 45,686.81 TL.
- The ‘cost of living’ for a single, childless employee is calculated to be 18,239.8 TL per month.
Considering that the minimum wage for this year is 11,402 TL, one cannot help but wonder about the living conditions of these individuals.
Why should I do something about someone else’s poverty?
Much like our shared concern for the quality of the air we breathe, the growing disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished is a collective concern. The escalating inequalities not only exacerbate social discord, tensions, and inclinations toward violence but also impede economic development. According to renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs, known as the Guru of Sustainability and a professor at Columbia University, approximately $175 billion needs to be spent globally to end extreme poverty. This amount is less than one percent of the total incomes of wealthy countries.
So, what can we do?
Becoming aware of the causes and impacts of extreme poverty and becoming an advocate for this issue is the easiest step we can all take. You can be a pioneer or supporter of public initiatives aimed at combating extreme poverty and private sector efforts that promote equal opportunities. You can question whether the products/brands we purchase have a fair supply chain. Despite having valuable resources, many countries are unable to escape the poverty line. African countries rich in minerals are at the top of the list. If we take an example from our country, in the textile sector, one of our leading industries, environmental pollution during various stages of production or the difficulties faced by workers subjected to inappropriate working conditions can be overlooked. Even choosing brands that take responsibility, prioritize social compliance, and consider their environmental impact is a significant effort in these matters.
You can also support NGOs that create equal opportunities in education; you can become a volunteer. In Turkey, there are valuable associations working on this issue. Darüşşafaka Society, AÇEV, TEGV, Koruncuk Foundation, and Science Heroes Association are just a few of them.
“Poverty is the worst form of violence.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Taking a step to combat poverty is a crucial move for a fairer world. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to improve the living standards of others and combat social inequality.
Nilgün Aytekin // 01.12.2023
Resources: Tedu.edu.tr, kureselamaclar.org, 28Kasım2023 Türkiş Haber Bülteni
