Understanding Poverty: Definition, Causes, and Measurement

Reducing poverty and improving equity
Sep 25, 2025 | Investopedia

Poverty is both an individual concern and a broader social problem. At the individual or household level, not being able to make ends meet can lead to a range of social, physical, and mental issues. High poverty rates can slow economic growth and are linked to crime, unemployment, urban decay, poor education, and health issues. James Chen notes in his article for Investopedia that poverty has fallen in developed countries since the Industrial Revolution, although people living with HIV/AIDS black, indigenous, and people of colour, women, including single mothers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are still disproportionately represented in the ranks of the poor. Programs that encourage and help impoverished individuals to obtain skills, jobs, and education are crucial for further longer-term reduction. https://www.investopedia.com

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