3. Choose a problem of acute poverty in your country and describe a global social work intervention you could create (assume you have plenty of resources) to remedy that problem. Briefly summarize the poverty-correcting intervention and then describe how you would apply it. For examples, you can use:
a. the human rights cooperatives led by community members supported by social workers and lawyers described by Grodofsky;
b. the response of Muhammad Yunus to remedying acute poverty and homelessness in Bangladesh;
c. Bianco’s paper about encouraging female entrepreneurship;
d. Onwuegbuchulam’s paper about a capability approach in KwaZulu Natal.
a. community mobilization: during organized efforts to establish human rights cooperatives actives collaboration with local communities would be encouraged to parcitipate in discussions and in planing cooperative activities to better reflect their needs and desires.
ReplyDeleteLegal support: ccoperatives would be supported by lawyers who would provide legal assistance and advice related to business operations, contracts, human rights, and other matters. This would help ensure that cooperatives operate lawfully and effectively protect the rights of their members.
Network building: establish a collaboration network with other organizations, institutions and businesses could provide support, resources for cooperative activities. This could include business partnerships, financial support, and information exchange.
b.Poverty is a very big societal problem all over the world and every country needs to take an appropriate strategy. In my vision, an effective plan to reduce poverty would be economic development. States can implement certain social programs in order to reduce poverty and improve the economic and social situation of the population. It can be the creation of new jobs, help to find a job, help to find a better paying job or help to study. Great attention should be paid to integration into the labor market. One of the effective measures to combat poverty is the promotion of employment, training and professional training programs, great attention to the development of small businesses. Provide financing for small businesses.
ReplyDeleteYunus emphasizes the importance of education and health care in combating poverty and homelessness. He has championed initiatives to improve access to quality education and healthcare services for marginalized communities, recognizing that these are essential components of long term poverty alleviation.
DeleteI watched Muhammad Yunus talk about social business and I am shocked, I liked the idea so much. Using it can eliminate poverty and many other social problems in the world that we have created, but all businesses need to use this advice, and there is no chance because human greed and lust for power blinds even the strongest. I just had one question, let's say that after establishing such a business, the employees and managers still need to live on some money, how does it work?
ReplyDeleteIn order to reduce poverty in Lithuania, the entire current education system should be changed. Children should be taught financial literacy, social skills, sexuality, nature and human connection, psychology, volunteering. In this way, children's minds would be encouraged to tolerance, empathy, creativity and sociability from an early age. Also, the very concept of class time should be adjusted to children and their parents, their biological clock. Another aspect is to make it a 4-day work week, hire more employees, raise their salaries so that they feel safe, don't get tired, get sick less, work better, spend more time with their family, as a result of which their children grow up to be better people. Another thing I will touch on is the judicial system of the country. It has been going on for many years, and many wrongly accused people are serving sentences, many laws are unfriendly to the environment and psychology, to human nature. If children were taught love and felt it, there would be less crime, if parents worked less, gave more love to children, they would become more empathetic, capable, it's like a vicious circle that can only be exited by uniting. However, members of the Seimas can be asked to make amendments, protest, organize peaceful movements, publicize and educate the public on these issues. It would also be good to start more social businesses.
Hi! Although I am American, I agree that reforming our education system would also help reduce poverty in our country as well. In the US, there is no national policy regarding sex education, leaving this up to each state, city, and individual school's policy on the information. This leads to unequal education on this topic, and allows for wealthier areas to get more comprehensive educations on not just sex, but family planning, sexuality, sexual healthcare, and what healthy relationships look like. I know that the high school I went to had a pretty great program on this, but I have friends who weren't taught anything on the subject by their schools, and were encouraged not to talk about anything related to sex. By giving children education that covers more than basic academics, we can provide them more knowledge on how to be successful adults in all aspects.
DeleteKarolina, I agree with your ideas, but I would also add that I would include in the education system the topic of investing money in different funds where the money would be put to work, where I think parents should be involved and where they would learn more about such funds and platforms. There should also be a change in the law to allow teenagers to invest their own income, because these days in Lithuania, only people over 18 years of age have this option, which is why, in many cases, children invest in the name of their parents, without having the option of having a personal account, as this is not allowed by law. By the way, by involving parents in the training, it is possible that the parents themselves will start to employ the money they receive, thus generating additional income.
DeleteDana Morozovienė
DeleteKarolina, I agree with your ideas, and I would like to add that the state should include in the education system not only the investment of money in various funds, especially for those with disabilities from childhood, but also training for employment, preparation for job interviews. And the law should allow parents to participate in the training if they are also adults.
Lithuania is an ageing country, with more older people than young people. Therefore, there are many elderly people in Lithuania, pensioners, who are in poverty. There is a "Food Bank" in Lithuania, which provides food to the poor, but this organisation is separate from the state. This organisation would need support from the state, in terms of advertising, reducing food waste and being able to pass everything on to the food bank. Of course, one of the main ideas would be to increase pensions, but it is difficult to see how this could be done when the nation is ageing and the young are no longer able to support pensioners. It is possible to try to improve the economy of the country, to reduce the amount of emigrants in an attempt to improve the economy of Lithuania. To provide various conditions, to improve the lives of young families, to increase the child's allowance, to make university education as accessible as possible, to provide more state-funded places to make it happen. This would make young families feel more courageous and stable. In this way, the country's birth rate would potentially increase. Good conditions for housing loans and so on. It is very difficult to think of something that could help, and it is necessary to look more closely at the practices of other countries.
ReplyDeleteAgne, thank you for sharing about pensioners in Lithuania. The United States has a long history of trying to end the social security system, which is the federally issued monthly pension for people who have worked at least 10 years as an adult. Social Security is based on the average income earned in the last years of a person's work life, and even at the top pay is not enough for a person to live on. Therefore, working class Americans find themselves having to work at least part-time well into their late 60s or early 70s. Many elderly Americans also rely on food banks. Worse, the government continues to raise the age at which people can start to collect social security; currently it is 67. People can retire at 62, but they will get 1/3 less than they would have if they waited until 67.
DeleteIn Lithuania, there are plenty of acute poverty problems, some more prevalent than others. I personally want to mention social exclusion and unemployment as one issue at the same time. By social exclusion, I mean to talk specifically about persons with disabilities and the difficulties they face accessing resources and opportunities, one of those opportunities being employment. According to the European Commission (n.d) only half of persons with disabilities are employed, compared to 3 in 4 persons without disabilities in Europe, and 28.4% of persons with disabilities are at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
ReplyDeleteSocial work as a profession is most closely related to human rights. Healy (2008) believes that the Declaration of Human Rights is very important for social work as it unequivocally recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. She (Healy, 2008) also believes that social work is based on the fundamental premise that every human being has intrinsic worth, regardless of their material or social status. Historically, most social workers have been pioneers of human rights, for example, Bertha Reynolds with her fight against hysteria, Eglantyne Jebb pioneering children's rights, etc. (Healy, 2008). So I‘d also, as a social worker, stay on the path and simply advocate for persons with disabilities using human rights as a base. What is human rights advocacy, you may ask? Well, according to Grodofsky (2007), advocacy started with the theory of disentitlement, which is a procedure in which individuals gradually lose the capacity to exercise their rights and impact interpersonal connections (Torczyner, 2001). This kind of disentitlement occurs at four interconnected levels: personal, communal, institutional, and political (Grodofsky, 2007). In this case, for example, physical inaccessibility by institutions and organizations creates barriers to even accessing the possibility of employment (Grodofsky, 2007). So, the intervention by me would be working with the marginalized groups of people to begin with, to hear their concerns and the main problems they face when looking for a job. As well as working with communities and other systems towards a better access to employment for persons with disabilities, removing barriers, and changing politics for the benefit of a better life and the complete assurance of human rights in the sphere itself.
European Commission. (n.d.). European Social Fund. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=1137
Grodofsky, M. M. (2007). The contribution of law and social work to interdisciplinary community development and peace building in the Middle East. Journal of Community Practice, 15(1-2), 45-65. doi:10.1300/J125v15n01_03
Healy, L. M. (2008). Exploring the history of social work as a human rights profession. International social work, 51(6), 735-748. doi: 10.1177/0020872808095247
These days, not only in the world but also in our country, citizens face difficulties arising from poverty. Poverty, specifically in our country, is considered a significant social issue affecting a considerable portion of our population. The most vulnerable groups affected by poverty include elderly individuals, people with disabilities and their families, single parents, and the unemployed. Individuals experiencing poverty face the challenge of not having sufficient income to meet their or their family members' basic needs, such as food, housing, hygiene, healthcare, and education. Failing to meet these basic needs leads to difficulties, which may include health deterioration due to insufficient nutrition, inadequate or unavailable healthcare, experiencing homelessness and inadequate daily hygiene, lack of education, and social isolation, negatively impacting individuals' psychological well-being and social progress.
ReplyDeleteDue to these negative factors affecting individuals experiencing poverty in the country, it is important to seek solutions to reduce poverty and social exclusion.
I believe that in our country, to reduce poverty, it is crucial to focus on providing support to individuals experiencing poverty. Social assistance, including allowances and financial aid, contributes to poverty reduction by ensuring that individuals can afford to eat, have a place to live, and provide education and upbringing for their children. Currently, in Lithuania, there is an excellent system in place where cards with a certain amount of money are distributed to families experiencing poverty, and these cards can be used for payments at various service providers. The introduction of these cards contributes to poverty reduction and ensures that the money is used meaningfully. Social entrepreneurship is also a great opportunity to contribute to poverty reduction in the country. Creating jobs for people with disabilities contributes to their employment and reduces poverty, also contributing to increasing the state budget. Individuals experiencing poverty are not necessarily people with disabilities or elderly individuals, but also single mothers raising children alone. Such women face many challenges due to established attitudes and roles passed down from generation to generation, where women lose their economic status and stability in society, while the role of men is elevated. Bianco's report perfectly reflected the importance of women's entrepreneurship today. Women's entrepreneurship and involvement in the labor market would positively contribute to changing established gender roles, where not only women but also men contribute to raising children, thus creating principles of gender equality.
ReplyDeleteIn Bianco’s paper, she says women are at the highest rate of unemployment and the business industry believes motherhood affects the ability to work. Bringing women to the forefront of an issue they are heavily impacted by gives them the voice. Creating community organizations to be followed by local women gives them job security and ability to change the gender roles of expectations of income and family behaviors. Women are able to strategize within their constraints to maximize security and optimize life chances (Bianco et. al, 2017). Promoting women’s entrepreneurship within communities related to food insecurity brings individuality and identity back to the individuals affected by poverty. It provides these women the opportunity to reflect on their own internalized beliefs about income and reflect on other intersections of oppression with food insecurity. It provides women access to communal space and places of leadership they feel welcomed in whilst providing relief to community members (Bianco et. al, 2017).
Food insecurity is a multi-level issue to tackle that involves help from the micro, mezzo, and macro lens of social work. Community gardens, soup kitchens, and food pantries available for individuals and families struggling can be done to address food insecurity on the mezzo level. Community-centered organizations can come together to advocate for financial or tangible resources for better access to high quality and affordable food. It could also be beneficial to provide nutritional information and education to families, including low-income families with SNAP, so they understand what they are putting into their bodies that may cause future health risks. To address food insecurity is to provide immediate and fast relief at first then put funds and research into community organizations that provide resources to community members in disadvantaged areas. These solutions would also have to tackle economic inequity, cost of living, unemployment and job security, public transportation, and education to address food insecurity on a national basis to address the structural and individual levels interactions contributing to food insecurity.
Question 3:
ReplyDeleteA problem of acute poverty I see in the United States is lack of access to adequate medical care and health insurance. In reference to the capability approach in South Africa, the United States also has a deep history of systemic racism and it also affects the wealth distribution here as it did in South Africa (Onwuegbuchulam, 2017). The capability approach has two main factors, one is that people’s freedom to achieve different forms of well-being is priority, the second is that the freedom to achieve said forms of well-being translates to people’s capability (Onwuegbuchulam, 2017). In the United States, people in poverty do not always have the opportunity or capabilities to achieve well-being because of limited finances and other resources. Starting people who are experiencing poverty in the United States with the freedom of achieving well-being is a good jumping off point because many people do not even have that freedom. Proving government more dynamic and accessible funded resources for people experiencing poverty will enhance their capability of achieving well-being. A resource like free, universal healthcare for all will help people experiencing poverty not be afraid of going to the doctor or hospital in fear of medical debt. Less medical debt will lead people to achieve other forms of well-being to get out of poverty.
DeleteI believe what you described is very relevant not only in your country but also in many other countries where people face poverty. Individuals experiencing poverty encounter difficulties in accessing healthcare services. Perhaps this even includes a certain prevailing stigma that individuals experiencing poverty cannot access healthcare facilities due to insufficient finances. I agree that every person should have the opportunity to seek help and receive assistance aimed at improving their health condition. Poor health not only negatively impacts individuals' functioning in their environment but also social factors that contribute to social exclusion and lack of communication skills.
I agree that lack of medical care and health insurance is a huge problem in the United States. Many people are unable to afford medications/medical procedures that are needed in order for them to live. As you mentioned, some form of universal healthcare would be able to help fix this problem. Unfortunately, in the United States, there is a large resistance to any universal healthcare. I often hear people remark that they don’t want to pay for people or that they have their own insurance, so healthcare provided through the government would be unnecessary or possibly worse than their current insurance. One solution to these critiques I’ve heard would be to make universal healthcare optional. People would still be able to keep their insurance from their job, but the goal would be to have such a good universal healthcare option that people would often choose the universal healthcare over their job’s insurance. As for the money, money can easily be taken from the United State’s massive military budget in order to help pay for this. The government would also be able to fund this if they had greater taxing of the top 1% of earners.
DeleteA problem of acute poverty that exists in the United States is the current affordable housing crisis. There’s a shortage of affordable housing, especially in major cities in the United States, with rent costs taking up a large percentage of individuals’ paychecks. This comes from a couple of different reasons, but one large reason is the continuous gentrification of cities. Wealthy people move into poorer areas and raise the overall price of living by creating newer, more expensive housing and drawing in new businesses. This has risen even more with the rise of remote work since the pandemic. I have a friend from Arizona that told me about how Californians working remotely are moving to Arizona and raising the housing prices because of their higher paychecks. This is essentially what happens with gentrification: people that can afford to live in wealthier areas instead move to poorer areas in order to save money. However, this leaves people that can only live in poorer areas with nowhere to go.
ReplyDeleteOne solution that some cities have started using is zoning reforms. By making zoning reforms, more housing is being able to be built, creating more housing opportunities (Wamsley, 2024). However, I still believe that this falls under the issue of gentrification. The new housing is likely to have higher rent costs due to its recent construction. Another solution would be for the government to create more government-owned housing for lower income households. However, this also comes with problems. One of my coworkers once told me that they weren’t able to work more hours because if they worked too much they wouldn’t be able to stay in their low-income housing. The problem that they ran into was that if they worked more hours, they would be making too much to stay in the housing, but not enough to afford some other form of housing. This solution could possibly work, if the government expanded the range of low-income and possibly created different levels of low income that were able to access the housing.
References
DeleteWamsley, L. (2024, February 17). The hottest trend in U.S. cities? Changing zoning rules to allow more housing. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/02/17/1229867031/housing-shortage-zoning-reform-cities
I read your thoughts on poverty and I want to agree with you that we have a similar problem in Lithuania, where young people are having to take loans from the bank to buy a house and pay them back in about 30 years. As far as rental prices in Lithuania are concerned, housing that meets the standard living conditions in Lithuania is a concern because it costs around 50% of a person's income, which encourages young people to live on the poverty line. Our country has a Family Housing Support Programme, which provides financial support to young families purchasing housing in the regional area. The support is not large, but it is sufficient to cover the down payment to qualify for a loan. It is important to note that this support is quite limited as it is only valid for purchases in the regional area. People in the region face the problem of unemployment and lack of access to public services. This encourages people to give up housing in the region, as they have to travel many kilometres by car to get to work, medical facilities and other services. This shows that the problem of housing affordability is not only a problem in the US, but also in Lithuania, and that various programmatic solutions are being implemented to address this problem. However, it is important to ensure that these solutions are effective and accessible to all those who need them, and I hope that in the near future there will be solutions to help improve the situation in our countries.
DeleteI agree that the issue of affordable housing is very serious and affects so many Americans nationwide. I will be moving out this summer for the first time and I am very anxious about it for the same reasons Savanah mentioned. The average cost of rent is Chicago is 2,251 according to rentcafe.com and often times that does not include utilities and other expenses. As a new graduate, I worry about securing affordable housing in an economy where food prices and the overall cost of living increase frequently. According to Allison Clements who is the executive director of the Illinois Housing Council, ‘In Illinois, there is a shortage of over 293,000 affordable rental homes for those most in need. Solving this crisis requires an urgent commitment to creating more affordable homes’ (2024). As Savanah mentions, gentrification remains a major factor in making affordable housing inaccessible to the masses. I also agree that one solution to the affordable housing crisis is for the government to create more low income housing developments but this is not a solution that comes without issues as mentioned by Savanah. Lots of good people and organizations are working to create solutions to the affordable housing crisis but it is not an issue that seems to be going away anytime soon.
DeleteSources:
Average Rent in Chicago & Rent Prices by Neighborhood - RENTCafé. (2017). Rentcafe.com. https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/il/chicago/
Clements, A. (2024, January 16). Commentary: Affordable housing doesn’t have to be this complicated [Review of Commentary: Affordable housing doesn’t have to be this complicated]. Crain’s Chicago Business. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/equity/affordable-housing-crisis-demands-urgent-commitment-opinion
Many individuals with mental health disorders and psychosocial disabilities in Lithuania face social exclusion, stigma, marginalization, and the resulting problem of poverty. I could mention several factors contributing to this, starting from the ongoing stigmatization of mental health disorders since the times of Soviet occupation (such illnesses simply did not exist in the Soviet Union), the mismatch of the labor market for people with disabilities, low social benefits. Individuals in such situations have very limited opportunities to integrate into the job market and consequently secure income. Often, these people live with their relatives who provide financial assistance, but resources are still very limited and could simply reach the poverty line.
ReplyDeleteI would also highlight the internalization of stigma by individuals who eventually lose belief in their ability to function fully in society, lose motivation and determination, and lack support from both relatives and even professionals and society as a whole. In major Lithuanian cities, there are both government and non-governmental organizations providing vocational rehabilitation services; however, they are not very effective and comprehensive in addressing the issue. In rural areas, these services become generally inaccessible, exacerbating the problem of poverty.
I believe that changes should primarily occur in policies: subsidies received from the state budget should be increased for businesses and workplaces that employ individuals with disabilities and create adapted work positions for them. Laws should promote inclusion and ensure human rights. Comprehensive support should be provided for individuals with mental health disorders and disabilities to help them find employment (coordination, agency, etc.). Public education on mental health disorders is also crucial, increasing awareness and promoting social inclusion (utilizing social networks, influential individuals, various campaigns, sharing success stories, etc.).
Moreover, services are often provided, but support ends when the targeted project activities, financed by European Union funds, conclude. This hinders the continuity of necessary services. With unlimited resources, successful projects could continue using state budget funds. Additionally, significant attention should be given to improving the accessibility of services in rural areas – ensuring the arrival of specialists or creating/distributing organizations in those locations. So, the problem can only be addressed comprehensively.
You make interesting points, Asta. I absolutely agree with the ineffectiveness and inaccessibility of psychosocial rehabilitation services in our country. It's often saddening to know that the services are not always accessible to everyone, especially based on their demographics. I also noticed the issue of continuity of services for people with mental health illnesses. Often times, you "hit a wall" as a specialist because there are not enough services and resources to offer for them to keep up with the recovery process.
DeleteI sort of sighed when reading the part about subsidies for businesses and workplaces to make jobs accessible to persons with disabilities because, in theory and on paper, it does exist, but it doesn't work in practice, sadly. I am also not sure I can agree with some or at least partly of your statements; please don't take it personally.
You mentioned the stigma that the Soviet Union occupation passed on to Lithuania. It's not entirely true that the stigmatization for mental health came from occupation times; the stigmatization for any mental illness or "different than normal" behavior came from a long time ago when the term depression wasn't even used, and instead, it was called "melancholia", for example. It's not that mental health illnesses did not exist in the Soviet Union; it's that they were thought of as a "burden" and were highly associated with paternalistic, disempowering, and abusive practices, or as they called them, treatments, emphasizing that it was a DISABILITY. This led people to think that people with mental illnesses were "crazy," and the stigma around it formed even more because people knew that if they talked about their mental struggles, they would receive the "treatment" that I mentioned earlier. I would even dare to call this phenomenon fear rather than the formation of stigma itself.
The next point you bring up is the labor market, as you mentioned that persons with disabilities have limited opportunities to integrate into it, and I wholeheartedly agree, because I also noticed the same issue in our country. However, because you started to talk about psychosocial disability, I just thought that might not be correct in that case, if it is truly what you wanted to say. A lot of times, people with psychosocial disabilities actually have a lot of mental and legal capacities and capabilities, which is why their mental health illnesses do not stop them from being part of the labor market. It's very extreme cases where the person's psychosocial functioning is so impaired that they cannot continue to work; in most cases, it might be just a reduced capability to work or a temporary stop to reach the recovery or remission point.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that one of the most crucial social inequality and poverty issues in Lithuania is the situation of the Romani people, both in Lithuania and worldwide. They often experience low literacy, high poverty and marginalisation due to various challenges, stigmatisation and rejection in society. Speaking about the Romani people situation in Lithuania and worldwide, social workers can play a vital role by providing emotional and social support, organizing educational programs, collaborating with various institutions, raising awareness, and dispelling stereotypes. Moreover, promoting cooperation with employers to hire Romani individuals could significantly enhance their integration into the workforce (Herman, & Georgescu, 2012).
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, more efforts need to be made in our schools to ensure that Roma children receive adequate support and encouragement to pursue their education.In my opinion, there is currently not enough attention paid to the successful integration of Roma children into the education system. The problem of bullying is not adequately addressed and these children rarely receive help from schools in cases of bullying. Romani children are more likely to experience early school leaving, as they confront barriers that hinder their educational attainment and overall well-being (Vural, N. B. (2018.). As a result, many Roma children drop out of the education system and lose their access to the right to education.
Authors (2018) assert that school social workers can promote active parental engagement in their children's education through initiatives such as parent training sessions, family gatherings, or informational meetings about the school and available services (Vural, N. B., 2018).
I would like to argue in support of a more active approach on the part of social service organisations and social workers acts to provide proactive and preventive services to the Romani community. In addition, we need to provide social support to families with Roma children from birth in order to ensure equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their ethnicity.
I also think it is very important to set up social businesses and organisations specifically targeted to the needs of the Romani community. By promoting social business, we can empower the Romani people to gain professional and personal skills, facilitate their inclusion in the labour and provide them with opportunities for their earnings. Many Romani people are struggling with unemployment and face difficulties in finding work to be able to financially support their families. Establishing organisations and social enterprises to meet their needs can help to solve the problem of poverty in this community.
In summary, the organisation of specialised workshops to teach Roma people various craft skills, cognitive skills and financial literacy would enable them to actively improve their quality of life and economic well-being and fight poverty. I believe that the creation of a social business powered by social wokers that employs Romani people would reduce the stigma and change the existing social image that these people are less valuable or capable to work and to earn an income. It would create an image that these people are capable and able to work, and it would encourage other Roma people to follow their success stories and make positive changes in their lives (Karlsson, Ringsberg & Crondahl, 2019). In my opinion, it can help to reduce the level of poverty in this community
(Vural, N. B. (2018). Importance of School Social Work in Preventing Early School Leaving of Romani Children. Conference Proceedings: Policies and Practices for Prevention of Early School Leaving, 56
Herman, E., & Georgescu, M. A. (2012). Employment strategy for poverty reduction. A Romanian perspective. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 58, 406-415.
Eklund Karlsson, L., Ringsberg, K. C., & Crondahl, K. (2019). Work-integrated learning and health literacy as catalysts for Roma empowerment and social inclusion: A participatory action research. Action Research, 17(4), 549-572.
Reply from Vaida Ogulevičiūtė
DeleteI agree that in Lithuania Roma people experience social inequalities. For example, during my work, I came across a client who complained that her neighbours were trying to evict her from her current housing because for them she was creating a feeling of distrust, and because the neighbours did not like the children playing and making noise. The client stated that the neighbours have repeatedly told her that they will make sure she does not live there. The neighbours have also often called the police and complained about the woman to various services. The client had to deal with stigmatised communication from other staff in the facilities. During the meeting it was difficult to ensure that the client did not experience emotional abuse when talking to a professional from another agency, and it took a few minutes after the conversation with the other professional to calm the client down and try to show her that there are other professionals out there who are willing to help, despite the stereotypes of the society. Roma people often face discrimination, which encourages members of this community to isolate themselves from society. I agree with Tadas that the state, organisations, local communities and employers do not contribute enough to the inclusion and empowerment of this group. In Lithuania, it is still often the case that a Roma child who has dropped out of the education system does not attempt to re-enter it. I believe that society needs to help change attitudes towards Roma people through exposure to the culture of this community. I believe that by organising more cultural events and encouraging discussions about empowerment, we would reduce the stigmatisation of Roma people. It is important to let the Roma people themselves have a say in what help they need to feel comfortable in society.
In Lithuania the main poverty groups are older people (65+) “The highest risk of poverty was in the 65 and older age group. in 2021 it accounted for 35.9 percent. and, compared to 2020, has hardly changed. The average old-age pension during the income survey period (2020) was EUR 376.5 and accounted for 78 percent. poverty risk thresholds” (Official government statistics) and families with two children under 14 years of age.
ReplyDeleteAlso inside of the country (villages) there were difficult to get a job.
In this case, according to Grodofsky idea: “Social work and social welfare institutions protect vulnerable populations, mediate relationships among different groups, and promote inclusiveness” seems one of the most important. It is not possible to resolve low old-age pension. But it is possible to promote communication, make closer relationships between neighbors, inviting help each other, especially older people, mothers with baby just helping doing simple things or supporting financially.
Also is important for the adult young families to learn new skills and competences that would help retraining in the professional field and get a job that can possibly be done remotely. The Employment Service offers many free courses about which a social worker can inform people who cannot find a job.
The solution of these problems at the political and legislative level could also be initiated by the interested citizens themselves, gathered in organizations or political parties.
Hi Fausta, I liked your idea of promoting communication among this older population who are at the highest risk of poverty. Relationships between people can help foster community and provide less thought of methods of addressing this issue. I'm not super familiar with Lithuanian politics and was curious why it might not be a goal thinking about some point in the future to advocate for higher old-age pension. This seems like a social issue that can be advocated for through methods outlined in many of our readings, however I don't know the scope of politics that factor into it.
DeleteFausta, I agree with your response and thoughts. I agree that vulnerable groups nowadays are particularly the elderly and mothers raising children, and it is precisely these groups that face the risk of poverty. Your excellent point about reducing social isolation, fostering solidarity, and nurturing it when the government does not create conditions for people to avoid poverty is well expressed. Solidarity, empathy, belonging are important terms in the field of social work, where the goal is to empower clients. Sometimes, when people face difficulties, they find a way out of a difficult situation not only at the micro-level but also at the macro-level, which includes not only immediate family and seeking help from strangers. It is important to emphasize that seeking help and sharing involves not only material goods but also knowledge, skills that single mothers raising children alone can apply.
DeleteLithuania is not a big country. In our country, it is aimed to reduce the poverty experienced by families, child money and benefits are paid to single mothers or fathers. There are organizations that collect and distribute food to individuals, families, and elderly people experiencing poverty. It should also be taken into account that the creation of new jobs should be encouraged, thus expanding the opportunity to earn for persons who are experiencing poverty. Also, in order to reduce the number of people experiencing poverty, higher education could be organized remotely, so that, for example, families or young mothers could learn and get an education while raising small children. Also, in order to reduce poverty in the country, encourage people to attend free courses, which we can certainly find after talking to a social worker.
ReplyDeleteIn Lithuania today, there are many older people who live alone and are affected by poverty and social exclusion. Loneliness and social exclusion can be influenced by a number of factors: Loss of a loved one, divorce, children moving abroad, loss of income, deterioration of health. Poverty prevents people from participating fully in society as they are unable to access services due to a lack of financial resources. These problems of poverty and social exclusion make it difficult for people to participate in society. In order to successfully integrate older people into society, I believe it is important to improve the situation of older single people in our country, for example by paying social benefits and increasing pensions. Although social isolation manifests itself differently for each person, e.g. for some it is a natural phenomenon to be isolated, for others it is necessary to belong to a community. I think that in Lithuania we need to develop projects that take into account the health status and needs of seniors. More home services and rehabilitation measures should be organised for older people in poor health. We should also involve seniors in cultural life, for example, by encouraging them to join the senior club, visit the senior centre and participate in events so that seniors are not forgotten and can participate equally in important decisions in our country. It is important to realise that some older people do not like attention and an active life. That is why it is important to take the time to talk to and listen to the older. I took part in a Kindness day 4 years ago where I had to visit older people in their homes. On that day, I chatted with the elderly, we drank tea, ate desserts and I helped out around the house. This experience made me think of my grandparents and how important it is to take the time to visit them, ask them questions, talk on the phone, spend time together because you never know when it might be too late.
ReplyDeleteHi! I love the idea of increasing the opportunities for social integration for the elderly in Lithuania. I know in American culture, we really do not cherish our elderly like a lot of Eastern cultures do. In America it seems as the elderly are pushed towards senior based communities, but I agree that we should make more of an effort to include seniors in the larger society. By remaining curious about elderly people, we can not only further connections with others, but within our own communities. I think the experience you had in the kindness day is really special and should be one that is replicated around the world.
DeleteIt is good to hear that the "Praktinio gerumo diena“ organised by the institution where I work made such an impression. The 30th "Praktinio gerumo diena“ is being organised before the coming holidays. This is a traditional event where young people, schoolchildren and students living in Kaunas are invited to help the elderly, the lonely or the sick to prepare for the holidays. The day is dedicated to volunteering, which brings new experiences and excitement. Sometimes seemingly insignificant tasks can bring a great sense of joy and fulfilment. It is not only physical help, but also emotional support for others.
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ReplyDeleteI was very inspired by Muhammad Yunus’s approach to poverty in Bangladesh. Giving microloans to women with business ideas demonstrates an assets-based approach to global poverty. I listened to his speech and heard how much trust there was in the women of the community that they would use the money to support their families. It also reminded me that ideas to address collective poverty must match sustainable ideas to people/banks/communities that have resources. In other words, those with money must be willing to share resources to lift up the collective.
A micro-loan is such an empowering tool because it supports the client’s right to self-determination; their right “to make their own decisions, their right to actively participate in the helping process, and their right to lead a life of their own choosing” (Ewalt & Mokoau, p. 168, 1995). The women didn’t get charity, they were given opportunity to do something they perhaps only dreamt about, and this gave women not just resources, but hope, and the ability to choose the life they wanted to create for their families. In the face of poverty, hope and choice are powerful tools to have.
I believe Chicago is a place where micro-loans could be effective. For example, I know someone who has a child with special needs. She would like to quit her job and open a day care in her home so that she can take care of her own child at the same time. The day care makes sense for her. She is working, but a big percentage of her income goes to childcare expenses for her three children, including the additional cost of her son’s care. These costs make her part of the working poor. She could use the micro-loan to prepare her home for childcare: toys, supplies, training and certification, advertising. Once she gets her business on its feet, she can repay the loan and then have a sustainable business model. Will it make her wealthy? No. However, it will make her a steady income while also allowing her to live the life that makes sense for her and her family. While this person isn’t poor in the way that people are poor in other parts of the world, she does live below the poverty line even though she works full-time.
While I love the idea of micro-loans, two things need attention. First, I do recognize that poverty is systemic and this solution of microlending to those in need is more a band aid or stop-gap, than an actual solution to systems that create impoverished conditions. There is work to be done to interrogate and course correct power structures that do not facilitate well-being and stability for all. Second, this idea is successful, but at its root, it needs buy-in from people with resources. If we can’t create that long-term buy-in, then this strategy will not be sustainable.
In our class discussion on gender-based inequalities and the oppression of women, we learned that “of the world’s 1.3 billion poor people, it is estimated that nearly 70 percent are women” (McCrea, 2024). This statistic is also representative of the United States as “70% of the Nation’s Poor are Women and Children” (Legal Momentum, 2024). This demonstrates the national issue of women and poverty in the United States, highlighting how gender discrimination plays a role in this form of acute poverty. To create a remedy to this issue, it is important to first understand why this happens and what specific experiences women have that contribute to this situation. Although women make up half of America’s workforce, women “account for 60% of the nation’s lowest paid workers” (Legal Momentum, 2024). This can be due to both the gender wage gap and because it is difficult for women to make space for themselves in male dominated careers such as engineering or finance. Another factor that contributes to women experiencing poverty in the United States is the traditional caretaking responsibilities they must undertake. For example, if a woman is a mother, then the responsibility often falls on the woman to take care of a child rather than the father. This means women are more likely to have to stop working to fulfill this caretaking role. Additionally, many jobs do not offer paid maternity leave: “89% [of civilian workers] had access to unpaid family leave” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). This means that mothers cannot earn an income when they must take time off for pregnancy and birth, which is already an expensive endeavor in itself.
ReplyDeleteTo remedy this problem of acute poverty in the United States, M. Emilia Bianco’s paper, Challenging gender norms and practices through women’s entrepreneurship, may act as a guide for applying an intervention to this issue. One of the findings from this paper suggested creating opportunities for women-to-women interactions: “women-to-women interactions were spaces to enact new gender performances and motivate other women to change. Some women also talked to other women about women’s rights and spread a new gender consciousness” (Bianco et al., 2017). To begin integrating these interventions, workplaces can create spaces for women to be in community with one another. Oftentimes, holding a marginalized identity in the workplace can be isolating because an individual does not know if others are experiencing or feeling the same way they do. Creating these spaces of community can allow for women to openly protest gender inequality and work with others with similar experiences to create a plan of action. This may look like a coalition to address the gender wage gap or a space to uplift one another to go after a promotion in their male dominated workspace.
Another finding from Bianco’s paper that can be applied to an intervention addressing woman and poverty in the United States is creating workshops that allow women to refine and showcase their capabilities. Similar to how residents were taught advocacy skills in Vieques, workshops aimed at building their entrepreneurship skills may better set them up for new positions when job hunting, but also gives the opportunity for women to show off their skills and change men’s perception of them. This can be seen in Bianco’s paper, when one woman said, “When men ‘see’ that women generate income and contribute to the house, men change their perceptions of them” (Bianco et al., 2017). Women can then use their earning positions and strategic language to negotiate in the workplace such as negotiating paid maternity leave. Creating these opportunities for women to gain support and skills will overall allow women to have more opportunities for higher paying work and lessen the number of women in poverty in the United States.
Bianco, M. E., M. Lombe and M. Bolis (2017). Challenging gender norms and practices through women’s entrepreneurship. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship 9(4): 338-358.
DeleteWhat data does the BLS publish on family leave? (n.d.). https://www.bls.gov/ebs/publications/pdf/family-leave-benefits-fact-sheet.pdf
Women and Poverty in America | Legal Momentum. (2015). Legalmomentum.org. https://www.legalmomentum.org/women-and-poverty-america
According to statistics, the poverty rate in Lithuania has decreased over the years, but the problem persists. There is a clear difference between urban and rural areas in terms of poverty and exclusion. Although the specific percentages of poverty risk vary, the general trend remains the same over the decade: people living in rural areas are on average twice as likely to be at risk of poverty as people living in large cities. This is due to factors such as the lack of jobs and educational opportunities in rural areas compared to urban areas, as well as the lack of employment and non-formal education. In my opinion, it is important to implement projects in Lithuania that support the creation of jobs for people living outside the city, as well as to improve infrastructure in order to improve accessibility to cities and rural areas. Another important step would be the expansion of formal and non-formal education opportunities, which would ensure poverty reduction.
ReplyDeleteVery good insight, Ingrida. According to the data of the National Poverty Reduction Network, the level of poverty in Lithuania remains quite high, as every fifth resident of the country is poor. I liked your point that it is important to consider the needs of the villagers. In my opinion, poverty in villages is caused by the lack of work, the prevalence of bad habits, people's lack of education, lack of communication, lack of knowledge in using new technologies, for example, for the elderly. In order to achieve changes, I also think that Lithuania should prepare new projects that would be focused on reducing the social exclusion of rural residents. In Lithuania, it is important that social services are developed, and benefits are increased. For example, providing social support, strengthening employment, creating jobs, developing the activities of community organizations.
DeleteThere are many families experiencing poverty in Lithuania. In order to reduce poverty in our country, food and monetary support is provided. There are also many non-profit organizations in Lithuania that help people with low incomes. This can be help with clothes, footwear or other essential items. Individuals can find out about the provided support and help options from a social worker. Free meals are provided at the school for families with children and low income. Most of the families that experience poverty are from the village. Therefore, it should be taken into account and create more jobs in rural areas. Also, in order to reduce the number of persons experiencing poverty in the country, it is necessary to aim for as many persons as possible to acquire the relevant education. Therefore, it is necessary to make it possible for people who live in villages or far from cities to receive remote courses or training for free, remotely. Such a method would help to include more people in the labor market, to choose the right profession.
ReplyDelete(My full answer to this question is too long to fit on one post so I will break it up into two)
ReplyDeleteI want to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the US using the Capability Approach. To begin, it is important to address the sociopolitical history of the United States' institutional and systematic racism, economic inequality, and changes in the Welfare State due to politics and postindustrial capitalism that has resulted in the current homelessness crisis our country is experiencing. However, it is incredibly difficult and time consuming to start by addressing the root problem of capitalism and conservative political agendas, and people need help now. The homelessness crisis did not come out of nowhere and it does not impact communities equally. Institutional and systematic racism has impacted Black and Brown communities the hardest and people in these communities that experience homelessness for different reasons and experience different and more systemic barriers than their White counterparts. Poverty and generational poverty must be viewed through a historical lens to recognize the major impact racism has had on its perpetuation. The degradation of the Welfare State and the devaluation of all welfare programs have increased the impact of poverty because people are even less supported by their government for basic human needs, and they are definitely not being supported to achieve freedom. The Capability Approach links capability to valuable functioning, agency, and freedom. To be capable, one must be able to have the freedom to choose which functioning they can achieve. They also must have agency, meaning they can bring about personal change and have their own values and purpose (Onwuegbuchulam, 2018).
I recognize that homeless and housing insecure individuals meet the absolute definition of poverty, but our goal should not be to just provide housing and nutrition. I am defining poverty relatively and will use that to frame the purpose and goals of the anti-homeless program I am proposing. Because poverty is relative to the living conditions and standards of the country, my program will assist people to achieve a moderate standard of living of the average non-impoverished American (Seipel, 2003). In order to empower participants of the program to be autonomous individuals with agency, we will ask each individual about their needs and what type of assistance they need and want from the benefits of the program. I want participants to be able to choose what type of assistance they want and be able to accommodate their specific needs. We must listen to their needs because their input is valuable because of their personal experience with abject poverty and homelessness. However, I do believe that participants deemed unfit to advocate for themselves due severe mental health disorders (including Substance Abuse Disorder) will be provided a caseworker that will act in accordance to their needs.
My Anti-Homeless Program will utilize the poverty reduction strategies discussed in "Global poverty: No longer an untouchable problem" such as social investment, growth with equity, education, health, and job creation (Seipel, 2003). We will provide housing and health and mental health treatment, which included substance abuse treatment. Begin with providing basic individual housing (not shared rooms shelter style) to give individuals privacy and autonomy over their space. After couch surfing, living in shelters, or sleeping rough on the street, people should be provided with their right to privacy and autonomy that has been denied to them. While illicit substances should not be technically "allowed" in these housing buildings, residents should never be kicked out if drugs are found. They can be confiscated, but it is imperative that substance abuse treatment is offered and strongly encouraged through positive incentives and not through negative punishments. Participants will be given the option of being provided with food cafeteria style or with SNAP so that they can do their own grocery shopping and cooking. Participants should also be given a basic income for toiletries, clothing, and personal items. Education and job training should be offered to prepare participants for entering or re-entering the work force to give them agency over their own lives instead of dictating what they are allowed to do. However, this should not be forced on participants, especially not right away. They should be encouraged to heal, reset, and adjust or readjust to their new, stable environment. It is important to remember that experiencing homelessness is extremely stressful and traumatic, and results in significantly negative impacts on their psychological and social responses. Education and job training should only be provided at the request of the participant or after they are deemed psychologically and physically fit enough for this change. Education and training is imperative to increase human capital Assistance with finding jobs should be provided, with certain jobs being offered through the program. Despite my personal beliefs that capitalism is the root problem of poverty and inequality, we must work within the capitalist system we live in and work with it while also working against it by increasing social wellbeing and equality. It is difficult for people to acquire jobs after being unemployed for a while or because of lack of experience. So, the program should work with specific companies and businesses that are willing to hire our participants and most importantly, they understand the unique backgrounds of their employees and ensure they are understanding and patient with them during this huge life change. We can also ensure that our participants are being fairly paid, given adequate hours to work, and we can advocate for our participants if they have problems or concerns. All money earned through working cannot be monitored or withheld from any participant unless at their request. We will work with a bank or a credit union that they can save the money they are provided and the money they earned through working. Help with their finances and connections with financial advisors should be provided upon request. This is how we engage in social investment without dehumanizing and taking away individual freedom and agency (Seipel, 2003).
DeleteReferences
Onwuegbuchulam, S. P. (2018). A capability approach assessment of poverty in the sociopolitical history of South Africa/kwazulu-natal. Journal of Poverty, 22(4), 287–309. https://doi.org/10.1080/10875549.2017.1419529
Seipel, M. M. O. (2003). Global poverty. International Social Work, 46(2), 191–207. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872803046002005
I really appreciated reading this response! I truly agree that homelessness in the United States is traumatic, stressful, and dehumanizing. In the United States, there is a big “pull yourself up by your bootstraps'' mentality. People in poverty are told they aren’t working hard enough, aren’t saving enough money, and can be blamed for their own shortcomings. I have heard the sentiment that “We shouldn’t give homeless money, what if they spend it on alcohol or drugs?” This is all dehumanizing, as well as the infrastructure put in place to keep people from sleeping outside in certain places. There is such a stigma attached to people experiencing homelessness. That is why I think your approach is so crucial. Your intervention treats the population as actual human beings, who are deserving of help. I like that your program gave individuals autonomy through individual living spaces, individual grocery shopping, and not forcing people to do the hard work of finding jobs right away. Creating positive change instead of negative punishments, and providing help for people who are experiencing drug addictions. I hope that approaches like this can be implemented in the United States!
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DeleteMy chosen problem of acute poverty is the perpetuation of poverty among individuals with disabilities in the United States, particularly individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As of 2023, 12.7% of the US population live with a disability (38, 560 million people). According to the American Community Survey (ACS), the poverty rate in the United States is 12.6%, and the rate is more than doubled for individuals with disabilities at 27.7%. Many individuals with disabilities receive benefits and government assistance through Supplemental Security Income (SSI). First implemented in 1974, SSI is a monthly cash assistance program, and as of 2024, provides beneficiaries a maximum amount of $943 per month per individual and $1415 for couples, although this amount can vary from state to state depending on their policies. Also to receive these payments, an individual cannot make over $1,971 a month and $2,915 for couples or they run the risk of losing their benefits. Finally, individuals with disabilities cannot have over $2000 in assets at any point in time. This does not include from the home they currently live in (if they own it) and one vehicle. While there are a couple of workarounds for the asset limit, all options place restrictions for how the individual can use their money and often require additional oversight. Many individuals with disabilities do not have families or people they can rely on and so their trusts are often handled by state guardians. Disability and poverty are deeply intertwined, and limiting the income and assets of people with disabilities continues to perpetuate the cycle of poverty and discrimination within the population. Drawing from Muhammad Yunus’ intervention in Bangladesh, my intervention would be to remove or increase the asset limit and provide grants and/ or loans to individuals who want to build their assets. There is a common misconception that individuals with disabilities do not want to work/ can’t work and during my time working with the population, I have found this to be largely untrue. Allowing individuals the option to gain control of their money can be a huge motivator to continue building wealth, rather than the opposite.
ReplyDeleteSSA.gov 2021 A Guide to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Groups and Organizations. (n.d.). https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11015.pdf
Rachel,
DeleteI think you bring up a great point. Although we have these government benefits in the United States, there are many hoops that individuals need to jump through. At my internship last year, some of my clients would purposely not take on more hours at their jobs so that they would ensure that they would have enough supplemental income. Individuals who are just above the poverty line should not be punished for being able to make more than they once were. I agree with your ideas in that low income individuals would be able to flourish instead of just survive.
A current issue that exists relating to poverty is the inaccessibility for homeless people to get jobs. There are a few factors that go into this. One of these factors is that of needing a working phone number to put on job applications, or to simply complete interviews. Also, many jobs require documentation such as an ID, an address, or birth certificate to complete the application. If one is experiencing homelessness, they often times do not have all of these documents and may be hindered in their job application process due to this. Access to affordable and professional-looking clothing may not be an option for those experiencing homelessness either. For parents, they may not be able to find childcare for their children while going to job interviews. (Urban Wire, 2023)
ReplyDeleteA potential global social work intervention for this problem is similar to the response of Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh. As Yunus let himself take out loans on behalf of homeless people, and trusted that they would pay him back. If the government was able to provide a universal basic income, it would allow for Americans to pay for the basics that could help them find employment. The program that Yunus funded is like universal basic income, yet instead of being provided by the government, it is provided by a singular individual. The amount of lives that he was able to positively impact is incredibly, and one can only imagine how many lives this would include if the money was being provided by the government instead of a single individual.
Reference
Urban Institute. (2023). Why is it so hard for people experiencing homelessness to just go get a job? Urban Wire.
A serious issue facing the United States today is the rising cost of homes and renting. This problem is particularly affecting low-income households and renting populations. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released data that reflect and demonstrate the growing crisis that is ensuing. For many, buying a home is out of the question. The HUD states that rent has increased about 24% over the last three years. Despite efforts from the department, such as housing developments and federal grant programs there continues to be a need to find affordable housing for living in poverty.
ReplyDeleteWhen identifying ways to remedy the problem, one can look at the article written by Grodofsky. In her article, she identifies ways in which practice centers and peace-building efforts have been able to find solutions to community problems. Specifically thinking of low-income housing within the United States one can point to one example that Grodofsky shares from interdisciplinary practice centers. She writes about a case where Palestinians found it difficult to obtain their rightful insurance entitlements. While not necessarily related to housing strategies, this can still be taken as inspiration. Particularly working with programs in the United States to investigate ways in which people are denied low-income housing. Hopefully, this will subsequently lead to reforms made by those in charge of approving, low-income, housing, while importantly empowering and educating those in need.
The HUD makes it clear that individual states allocate certain money from the Fund for housing development. Grodofsky cites an example of a population of Bedouins who are unrecognized by the Israeli government, limiting their access to clean water. Implementing outreach centers and community advocacy programs helped ensure their human right to clean drinking water. Similar strategies can be implemented in states where allocations of funds are more limited. Using a human rights approach, unifying low-income populations across diverse demographics can be an effective method of implementing change on a structural and federal level.
The housing affordability crisis is very personal for Americans. It has been especially hard for young adults and families trying to find affordable housing. Personally, seeing rent increase by 24% over three years, as reported by HUD, hits close to home for my family. My mother had to struggle to find safe, and affordable housing since COVID began. She had to turn to a last resort of going to a homeless shelter while she got Section 8 sorted out.
DeleteIn Grodofsky’s work, we see that community-driven solutions can make a drastic difference. Her examples, show how advocacy and different kinds of approaches can help solve deep-rooted problems. Her idea of empowering all those affected by housing issues can lead to a great change.
I strongly agree with the call for action on affordable housing. This is a big reminder that real people are facing these challenges, such as my own mother. By coming up with solutions and advocating for systemic reforms, we can make a difference. I hope for a future where everyone has access to affordable housing.
“Data Sets HUD.” Data.Hud.Gov, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, data.hud.gov/data_sets.html.
Grodofsky, Merav Moshe. (2007). The Contribution of Law and Social Work to Interdisciplinary Community Development and Peace Building in the Middle East. Journal of Community Practice, 15, 45-65.
The beginning of the article by Onwuegbuchulam’s highlights something that I think is very important when talking about poverty. There is not one definition of poverty, and you cannot simply say a person is poor if their income is less than a certain amount. Poverty runs so much deeper than just income, and the root causes of poverty vary in different countries. He looks at the capability approach, wanting to look more at standards of living and the freedoms. Individuals that are in poverty often stripped from their rights wellbeing, stuck in a stressful realities and not afforded basic well being. I believe the first step to tackling an issue needs to be reframing the way to look at poverty. The issue that I will be looking at is mass incarceration. Mass incarceration is a systemic issue in the United States, as we hold more people incarcerated than any other country in the world, over two million people facing some form of incarceration. Mass incarceration is founded on systemic racism. After the abolition of slavery, the economy of the United States was deteriorating. Even though 13th amendment made slavery illegal, one loophole was left in place – slavery was still legal if it was for punishment of a crime. Even the beginnings of police stem from slave patrols, and today police brutality is a large issue. Mass incarceration has always targeted black people and other minorities. Even today, black people are four times more than five times more likely to be convicted of a crime according to the NAACP. If we work to end mass incarceration, we will significantly decrease poverty in the United States.
ReplyDeleteThe connection of mass incarceration to poverty is something I don’t believe is talked about enough in the United States. Firstly, incarceration impacts the families of the incarcerated. If someone was the main source of income to a family, them being sent to prison can send the family into financial crisis. Even after the formerly incarcerated make it out of jail, it is much harder to find jobs and make income again. Especially with a felony charge: voting, taking out loans, and buying houses are issues. The criminalization of poverty is another factor. Many states criminilize homelessness by making it illegal to sleep in areas. Money bail, fines, and other legal fees make it more difficult for poor people who are convicted of crimes. If this money were reallocated towards affordable housing or better education, this would have a large impact on poverty as well. A study done by DeFinna and Hannon et al. proves that “had mass incarceration not occurred, poverty would have decreased by more than 20%, or about 2.8 percentage points”.
DeleteMy intervention would center around ending mass incarceration. Less people should be imprisoned if it is not necessary. If people are not taken from their homes, and allowed to keep working, it better sustains communities and families. Research done by the Brennan Center for Justice suggests that almost 40% of prisoners in the US hold little public safety threat. If we can work on helping with drug treatment, parole, probation, and mental health care instead of incarceration– this is more beneficial for recidivism and creating meaningful change for convictees. The amount of money spent on putting people in prison can go to more meaningful things. The US government spends over $250 billion dollars per year on incarceration and prisons (Borcelli 2023). Finally, my intervention would work on more community centered work. Helping youth who are at risk in the school-to-prison pipeline is important as well. Providing better resources for schools, more social workers, and more wellness for students. I believe students shouldn’t be arrested in school, and there can be better efforts to help students succeed. Keeping students out of gang violence or crime is important, and there is a lack of resources in communities where this is prevalent. Focusing more resources and money towards preventative measures, keeping people from committing crimes instead of focusing on punishment. Mass incarceration is an issue that is based on systemic racism, and exacerbates the issues of poverty. If we can focus on decreasing prison populations, we can work towards mitigating poverty in the United States.
References:
https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/geojpovlp30&id=297&collection=journals&index=
https://sakai.luc.edu/access/content/group/SOWK_654_001_1347_1242/Week%204/A%20Capability%20Approach%20assessment%20of%20poverty%20in%20the%20sociopolitical%20history%20of%20South%20Africa%20KwaZulu%20Natal.pdf
https://www.vera.org/news/how-the-united-states-punishes-people-for-being-poor
https://naacp.org/resources/criminal-justice-fact-sheet
I completely agree with you and this is not a take I have seen on this blog yet. I would also like to add how the school to prison pipeline in the United States is all too real for underserved youth, especially in districts where there is a massive lack of funding. I would not only encourage your ideas toward mitigating and dismantling mass incarceration, I would also like to start at one of the roots of the problem: the overrepresentation of Black and Brown students/children in juvenile detention centers. Along with this, the over-policing of Black and Brown neighborhoods, especially gun-wielding officers in school-based settings/areas where adolescents populate. I think there also needs to be more crisis-intervention workers on patrol with officers if they MUST be in predominantly Black/Brown neighborhoods. I would like to see more de-escalation training and re-allocation of funds to the less funded schools.
DeleteI really appreciate this take on the link between poverty and the issue of mass incarceration in America. I think the issue of the school to prison pipeline and the high prevalence of gang violence or crime in these areas can also cause negative psychological impacts as well. With a reallocation of funding out of oppressive police and prison systems and into supporting our underserved communities we may be able intervene in this vicious cycle. I also appreciate Lucy's statement about an implementation of crisis-intervention experts on patrols in minority communities. My cousin who works as an officer in a police station in Sturtevant, WI has implemented something like this. Social workers are now riding along with police officers on patrol and mental health crisis calls. He reported that the social worker being present made him feel much more comfortable appropriately handing mental health crises, something he received zero training on prior to entering the field.
DeleteVaida Ogulevičiūtė
ReplyDeletePART 1.
Social exclusion is a complex and diverse process that involves the lack or denial of resources, rights, goods and services, and the inability to participate in the normal relationships and activities that are available to the majority of society's members in the economic, social, cultural or political spheres. Financial and social exclusion is a reality for many young Europeans today. Lack of employment prevents many from contributing fully to their communities, to the detriment of both individuals and society as a whole (EuroHealthNet, 2017). People experiencing social exclusion tend to isolate themselves, as they have difficult experiences that prevent them from integrating into social life. In 2020, the EU rate of young people aged 15-29 at risk of poverty or social exclusion was 25.4%, i.e. 18.1 million young people (Eurostat statistics explained, 2022). These figures show that young people are a distinct social group that requires special attention and support to reduce poverty and exclusion among young people. Poverty and social exclusion among children and young people is one of the most severe problems. Research shows that child and youth poverty has a negative impact on a child's or young person's development, and is often closely linked to poor nutrition and poorer health. In terms of employability and income, social disadvantage is often passed on from one generation to the next. In Lithuania, young people remain one of the most vulnerable groups in society and are not given enough attention (Nacionalinis skurdo mažinimo organizacijų tinkas, 2020). The Lithuanian state has not yet developed a system that would allow young people to effectively access the help they need, so it is important that the state reduces poverty among young people by investing in prevention and providing possible support measures, starting in early childhood. Young people are vulnerable to external influences at a young age, and it is important to strengthen young people's social capacities so that they can overcome factors that cause harm and do not bring any benefits. In order to provide appropriate support to young people, it is important to emphasise that young people are not a homogeneous group, as they face different difficulties and have different needs in terms of receiving support.
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Vaida Ogulevičiūtė
ReplyDeletePART 2.
Youth policy in Lithuania is problematic because of its horizontal nature. The challenges and problems of young people are addressed by many ministries - social, education, culture, health, national defence - but it remains unclear who takes full responsibility for specific problems in the lives of young people, such as developing and adapting services to young people's needs, and for identifying and solving youth problems. In Lithuania, the problems of young people remain underestimated or perceived as unimportant (Nacionalinis skurdomažinimo organizacijų tinkas, 2020). In order to reduce the exclusion of young people, I would try to allocate sufficient funding to organisations working with young people in order to ensure high quality services for young people. It is essential that day-care centres are able to provide services not only for children but also for parents in order to develop their social competences. The continuity of services for children leaving day-care centresmust be ensured through the development of youth centres. In the area of youth policy, housing development must be ensured through the provision of a range of services for young people. In the context of urban planning, it is important to develop infrastructure and spaces for young people's leisure activities (Nacionalinis skurdo mažinimo organizacijų tinkas, 2020). In making these changes, it is important not to 'drown out' the young person's voice on the need for services it’s quality or type etc., as this can ensure greater engagement of young people, which means that more young people will receive appropriate services that will help to reduce social exclusion.
EuroHealthNet, (2017). Jaunimo atskirties, sveikatos ir augimo sąsajų supratimas. Prieiga per internetą: https://eurohealthnet.eu/lt/publication/understanding-the-links-between-youth-exclusion-health-and-growth/?fbclid
Eurostat Statistics Explained, (2022). Young people – socialinclusion. Prieiga per internetą: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Young_people_-_social_inclusion#Young_people_at_risk_of_poverty_or_social_exclusion
Nacionalinis skurdo mažinimo organizacijų tinklas, (2020). Skurdas ir socialinė atskirtis Lietuvoje. Prieiga per internetą: https://www.smtinklas.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Skurdas-ir-socialine-atskirtis_2020.pdf
Hello Vaida!
DeleteI truly resonated with your response because I spoke similarly of creating room for young voices and generations to be involved in the political realm in addressing sociopolitical issues. I've actually learned a lot about the housing crisis for young people in Lithuania is much similar in the United States. Due to inflation and a one-sided government system, a lot of American citizens are struggling to obtain a comfortable wage, job security, maternity leave, healthcare services, transportation, education, and all other liberties and rights humans are "supposed" to be entitled to. Vaida, your post shed a lot of light into other countries that are suffering with similar sociopolitical issues.
i. A problem of acute poverty within the United States would be that of a lack of affordable housing for minorities due to historical and ever-present racial and ethnic discrimination. “1 in 4 African American families and 1 in 6 Hispanic families live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, compared to only 1 in 13 white families” (Willis, 1). This quote from the National Low Income Housing Coalition shares statistics on the housing disparities in the United States, specifically stating that more people of color populate higher poverty areas than their White counterparts. There has been a long history of racial redlining and gentrification within the United States towards Black Americans, similar to what the South African/KwaZulu-Natal people had experienced when under the apartheid government. During this time, “there was a systematic denial of social and economic opportunities of the majority of African people; they were sidelined on the ground of race” (Onwuegbuchulam, 294). The White individuals had all the power and fully utilized their privileges. The wealth distribution within the country favored Whites and hindered the minority’s access to jobs and economic resources. The apartheid also stripped Black individuals of their land and assets, as well as access to education. Many laws and regulations in both the United States and South Africa severely restricted the rights and points of information/resources for Black citizens. Utilizing the capability approach, I must first recognize that these minority individuals experienced capability deprivation. They were unable to do the things they valued and need in society/have the freedom to achieve real values, well-being, as well as human development (Onwuegbuchulam, 291). In order to combat the systemic racism within the United States in relation to the issue of affordable housing, one action I would encourage would be to take action in one’s own community. I would suggest education of oneself and others, reporting discrimination when evident, supporting and promoting fair housing organizations in and around one’s neighborhood, and advocating for policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels. I think that as a citizen and a social worker, it is our responsibility to push for change. For positive change, especially in the United States, specifically Chicago, we need to educate others more about the imposing and continuous pushing out of minorities from their neighborhoods via racial redlining and gentrification. I think collaborating with homeless shelters/non-profit/grassroots organizations in the effort to educate Americans and push for policy change and an increase in funding for affordable housing on our government will deeply benefit us in the long run. I think utilizing a very multifaceted approach and recognizing that this is not just an economic issue, but a public welfare issue would benefit the cause. Along with this, I would say that whilst there are homeless individuals on the streets, there should be more grant writing and pushes for an increase in homeless shelters that double as an opportunity for individuals to gain life/work skills inside of these homes, even if it is temporary.
ReplyDeleteSource:
Renee M. Willis, https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/2022AG_1-05_Racial-Equity.pdf
Sunday Paul Chinazo Onwuegbuchulam,
https://sakai.luc.edu/access/content/group/SOWK_654_001_1347_1242/Week%204/A%20Capability%20Approach%20assessment%20of%20poverty%20in%20the%20sociopolitical%20history%20of%20South%20Africa%20KwaZulu%20Natal.pdf
Along with these "opportunity homeless shelters", within them there should be freedom and autonomy. They should receive choices in how they live and what they choose to gain vocational skills in. I think providing them with these freedoms feeds into the capability approach because it gives them an opportunity to gain/build upon real values.
ReplyDeleteOrganisations in Lithuania are working to combat poverty and social exclusion among older persons. It can be seen that many older people in our country are deprived and, in addition to meeting their physiological needs, they find it difficult to meet other important needs such as security, self-expression and others. Most people who lack the necessary length of service experience poverty because of low pensions. Often older people receive only a minimum pension, which is why they need outside help.
ReplyDeleteEnsuring access to social services is important for the elderly. As the need for care and supervision increases, the elderly are able to stay in a residential care facility or in a nursing home free of charge for four months. In addition, they can be reimbursed for the cost of individual assistance due to deteriorating health. A network of cooperation between institutions has been set up to provide free outpatient home health care for older people, which is combined with partially reimbursed social care services. Currently, people on low incomes can receive “social cards” (25 eur/month) and food bank products, which can be seen as forms of support for poverty reduction. In addition, extra discounts on medicines are available for older persons and some medicines are fully or partially reimbursed. Many older persons experience social exclusion and wage inequalities due to age. However, they are eligible for home heating allowances, depending on their financial situation, as well as growing number of projects are being set up to provide free legal aid. Although there is a waiting list, older persons are provided with free technical aid. Day centres provide meals and leisure activities for the elderly, thus reducing social isolation.
Poverty and social exclusion are topical issues at all times, but in recent decades, political, social, economic and cultural changes in society have made not only individuals, but also their families, vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. Changes in the social order and values have led to the emergence of families at social risk, which is one of the most significant problems of modern society. The main problems of families at social risk have been found to be related to inadequate lifestyles, non-positive family relationships, individual characteristics, habits, addictions and unfavourable relations with the environment. Today, families are forced to face many challenges that have led to changes in family life and, at the same time, to an outbreak of violence, various addictions, child neglect and other problems in the immediate environment. Families that are unable to adapt to the processes taking place in society are often no longer able to ensure that the direct functions of family members are fulfilled, that they fulfil their responsibilities and that the basic needs of their family members are met, which turns them into families at social risk. The authors (Zaleskiene, 1998; Šaulauskas, 2000; Taljūnaitė, 2004; Giddens, 2005; Mikulionienė, 2005) tend to explain the reasons for the emergence of social exclusion in terms of economic and cultural factors, social, political, legal and psychological factors Bernotas, Guogis (2006) and Kublickiene (2007) argue that social exclusion in the broad sense refers to people living in poverty and who have lost their social ties, while more narrowly it refers to the existence of marginal or marginal groups. Material status becomes an important factor in analysing both the concepts of social exclusion and the reasons for its occurrence, so the link between poverty and social exclusion is obvious and undeniable, but as Mikulionienė (2005) points out, not all those who experience social exclusion are poor, and not all those who are poor experience social exclusion. For families at social risk, it is very important to maintain positive relationships with others, especially with relatives, which can help to protect them from the risk of harmful stress and tension, provide support in difficult situations, and promote the family's positive qualities and its ability to integrate into society. Sousa (2005) argues that relatives of families at risk are often critical, not willing to support emotionally or financially, and not willing to help the family at risk to solve the problems they face. A social worker's professional activities in providing social assistance to families at social risk include both direct and indirect activities. The social worker's activities in reducing poverty and social exclusion of clients may be carried out through individual, team, group or community social work methods. The results of the qualitative research showed that social workers working with socially at-risk families experiencing poverty and social exclusion carry out both direct (identifying problems, counselling, empowering, providing and organising services, making recommendations and suggestions, advocacy, leading group sessions for parents) and indirect (coordinating and cooperating) activities, which are manifested in the use of individual, team and social work with the group methods.
ReplyDeleteTheory&Practice/Professional Studies, Ways of reducing poverty and social exclusion in families at social risk, 2014/14
https://research.ebsco.com/c/zpa7aa/viewer/pdf/tnv37pqp2j
The problem I will be looking at is acute poverty and how it can lead to unplanned pregnancies, STDs, and limited healthcare access. If I had plenty of resources and means, I would use a comprehensive approach. This approach would focus on education, healthcare, healthcare access, and policy change.
ReplyDeleteHealth education is very important for creating awareness among the people facing acute poverty. Having sexual wellness classes in schools and community centers is important for teaching people about their bodies and how to keep them safe. Also, teaching people about the rights they have to their own bodies and reproductive rights is a very important education.
Expanding healthcare access along with creating free or low-cost care would be a big fix to a large barrier many people in acute poverty are having. Having access to doctors and testing would be a big relief. For people to get testing for different illnesses, STDs, and pregnancy is very important. There should also be access to contraceptives, safe abortions, and pregnancy care for all.
Having a policy change would be one of the first steps leading to change. Policies such as free and low-cost medical treatment, more medical offices in areas of acute poverty, and access to reproductive care such as abortions, would be the most important.
I would apply these interventions in many ways. Starting with research on these communities and their access to free and low-cost medical care also, seeing what is provided at these clinics. Starting to implement education programs in schools and community centers. I would also advocate for policies supporting this cause to start this change.
By addressing the main causes of the lack of healthcare in acute poverty we need to break the cycle of current healthcare situations for communities along with improving education around wellness. Once we can have a policy change, we will be able to have better outcomes surrounding healthcare in communities of acute healthcare.
Part: 1.
ReplyDeletePoverty affects not only the poor, but also impoverishes society as a whole. In Lithuania, poverty issues have been particularly acute since independence and freedom from the Soviet Union. Already in 1995, the United Nations summit in Copenhagen reminded the world of the importance of social development for the progress of democracy and the development of society. By signing a joint document (later called the Copenhagen Declaration), 117 heads of state, including Lithuania, who participated quite actively in the summit, committed themselves in particular to: fighting poverty, promoting the creation of new jobs, and enabling the marginalised to participate in the country's social and economic progress. The signing of this document demonstrates the growing determination of the world's states to address comprehensively the issues of humiliation and the eradication of inequalities, to help all those whose human dignity has been violated and whose abilities are not being used. Since the Copenhagen Summit, Lithuania has taken a number of significant decisions on poverty reduction, employment development and support for social inclusion, including in the three key areas that were highlighted at the Summit. Studies have shown that poverty remains a very serious problem and a major factor in denying equal opportunities to members of society. Following the first signed documents, a Lithuanian report on the implementation of the Copenhagen Summit outcomes was prepared as early as 1999 and presented to the United Nations and the public. It described Lithuania's achievements in implementing the principles set out in the Copenhagen Declaration with a view to developing a comprehensive national poverty reduction strategy. The report shows that the most pressing issues in Lithuania are improving the well-being of the rural population, supporting large families, and integrating socially vulnerable groups into society. The report shows that social protection spending in the Republic of Lithuania has been increasing in recent years, while relative poverty has tended to decrease. It is now widely recognised that poverty is a highly complex, multi-factorial problem and requires a well-thought-out strategy at national level, combining macroeconomic, regional development, agricultural and social policies to make wiser use of available resources. The policies chosen must be suitable for a constructive dialogue between the various social partners and be adapted in a way that brings together the public, private sector and civil society in a useful way. It is essential that these policies are effective, not only in identifying the most pressing problems in society, but also in selecting the appropriate measures to address them. The Strategy is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania that meeting people's needs and objectives is the main goal of society's development. This means that economic growth must be politically, socially and economically linked to the well-being of all citizens. The State Strategy of the Republic of Lithuania primarily sets the objective of eradicating extreme poverty in Lithuania by 2003. Those who lack food, shelter for the night or sufficient warm clothing will be provided with these necessities. There are organisations such as Caritas and the Red Cross in Lithuania which help these vulnerable groups to get temporary shelter or food. Every person is provided with necessary or urgent medical care, and children and adolescents up to the age of 16 have access to education.
Part: 2
ReplyDeleteThe main strategic objective of poverty reduction in Lithuania is to increase employment, to create favourable conditions for members of society to receive appropriate education and to start or develop their own businesses. Promoting employment is a very effective way of tackling poverty. Lithuania has developed a National Employment
Action Plan for 2000-2002, which includes measures to promote employment and social cohesion through local initiative and active labour market measures. For people with little vocational training, the unemployed and those with
Social enterprises will be created. In these enterprises, social rehabilitation and personal development will be as important factors as work itself, since the aim is not only to create jobs but also to promote the full integration of people with social problems into society. Subsidiarity and solidarity are key principles of the PRSP. The Strategy places particular emphasis on the importance of non-governmental organisations and the social partners in tackling poverty. The working environment and involvement of social workers in poverty reduction must include the following key aspects: it must be based on the implementation of ethical principles and good practice. Social workers must have opportunities for professional development (expert practitioners, management, academic training). The distribution of social services at a satisfactory level of quality requires appropriate mechanisms for the exchange of knowledge between social work professionals in European countries and throughout the world.
Karolina Rašimaitė
ReplyDeleteOld people receive a low pension because they do not have the required length of service. My intervention would be an equal pension for all, sufficient for all but the basics, and full reimbursement of all medications to ensure a dignified old age.
The poverty-correcting intervention offers strategies in creating economic and humanitarian policies into lifting people from impoverishment and deprivation. A current acute poverty problem occurring within the United States is homelessness. Rather than the United States government addressing this rapidly growing issues, they focused on developing a bill to ban its people from using TikTok, a social media platform for people to engage with others, promote businesses, and broadcast current events. This irked me, incredibly so; however, this allowed me to find a correlation between poverty and homelessness within the United States. The current economic climate is springing social issues that make it more difficult for people to freely and comfortably utilize their rights and liberties. An even greater concern is that the United States government cannot agree that homelessness and poverty is a human rights and liberty issue and it continues to be recycled through discussion boards. According to research, it stated that, “poverty activists argue that this culture change must involve an understanding of what poverty means and of the damaging effects of disrespectful treatment. One tool is the involvement of people with experience of poverty in the training of professionals and officials, as pioneered with social work student. This involvement is indicative of another key plank of a human rights approach to poverty, which, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, ‘requires active and informed participation by the poor in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of poverty reduction strategies” (2015). Lister’s suggestion to include people from impoverished and homeless communities in drafting legislations and policies is imperative. He also encouraged these communities to unionize and protest for their rights to comfortable living, job security, and affordable healthcare. He also pleaded for government officials to open the door for young and diverse generations to pave a new direction for political, social, and environmental reconciliation for a large group of discriminated, impoverished, harmed, and disregarded communities.
ReplyDeleteReferences
Lister, R. (2015). To count for nothing’: Poverty beyond the statistics. Journal of the British Academy, 3(0), 139-165.
In the United States, there is a problem of acute poverty among single mothers living in rural areas. In fact, as of 2016 rural female-headed families made up 60% of rural families with children who were living in poverty (In Rural, 2019). This problem could be addressed using Bianco’s argument for encouraging female entrepreneurship. While Bianco’s study took place among Columbian women, the basic principles could be implemented with rural single mothers in the United States. The study found an abundance of positive outcomes when it came to addressing elements of gender through entrepreneurship (Bianco et al., 2017). These outcomes included removing barriers for women’s involvement in community organizations, allowing women to not rely on dependency relationships, and women gaining autonomy and self-confidence. Rural single mothers in the United States may not face gender inequality on the same level as women in Columbia. However, as women in the United States, they face gender inequality and as citizens of rural areas, they likely face increased inequality as seen in the above statistics. Establishing a grant-based program which encourages female entrepreneurship and small-business ownership provides an avenue to address gender inequality and poverty among these women. Among women who may have lower levels of education, who may not have much job experience, and who may have been impacted by domestic violence, a grant program to support the creation of small businesses could be incredibly impactful.
ReplyDeleteBianco, M. E., M. Lombe and M. Bolis (2017). Challenging gender norms and practices through women’s entrepreneurship. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship 9(4): 338-358.
In rural areas, single-parent families have higher poverty rates than families headed by married
couples. (2019, February 25). Economic Research Service U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/
chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=91346
Homelessness in Chicago is a very big issue. With many people being forced to endure harsh and below-freezing winters with not very many resources. There are shelters available, but they are often in high demand and low supply. Not to mention the additional refugee population we’ve seen with Chicago having a status as a sanctuary city. Homelessness should be considered a human right violation as these people very rarely have a safe environment in which they can thrive. We need to put in considerable effort in supporting our homeless population towards a life they rightfully deserve. It is a well-known fact that to make money, you must first have money. When considering how inaccessible most careers are for those who may not experience economic security you can very clearly see the truth in that statement. In order to even interview at a job you must first apply, and with the high reliance on technology our society has developed you need and internet connection and device to apply. How can we expect our most impoverished amongst us to afford a phone with internet connection when they may not even be able to afford their next meal.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I’m proposing we implement a banking system similar to that of Grameen Bank developed by Muhammed Yunus in Bangladesh. In this system I would allow homeless people in Chicago to take out small loans to encourage their economic growth. I would also like to implement a professional development center right next to the bank. In this center I want free-to-use computers, printers, and copy machines for patrons to complete any and all job applications, onboarding paperwork, and social service applications. In this system, any patron that takes out a loan with the bank will be paired with a social worker at the development center who will provide counseling, professional skill building, or any other resources the patron will need. These social workers will be compensated completely by my bank so that clients don’t have to pay for the education or services they may need to confidently enter the work force. This development center will also provide free professional clothing and hygiene centers where individuals can freshen up to convey the “professional look.” Many employers still unfortunately rely on the appearance of an individual as indicative of their professional ability, this service should remedy that. Finally, I would also like to partner with various apartment buildings around the city to provide reduced cost housing to loan receivers. The loan amounts given will be enough to cover the costs of housing with additional funds remaining for other necessary expenses. I hope that this proposal will bring the necessary aid to these communities and that enough aspects of it cover the many needs of this population. It was necessary to alter Yunus’s model of the Grameen Bank to accurately tend to the different contexts between the urban poverty here in Chicago and the rural poverty found in Bangladesh.
Muhammad Yunus, The Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 2006. Grameen Bank.
DeleteHi Alivia- I really appreciated your proposed intervention to assist individuals experiencing housing insecurity. The additions you included to Yunus’ framework, such as employing social workers to assist with professional development, counseling, and other necessary resources, would absolutely make a considerable difference in participating individuals. The proposal to partner with apartment buildings across the city to reduce housing costs reminded me of the ARO program that was implemented in Chicago. The ARO program, or Affordable Requirements Ordinance, requires certain apartment buildings to allocate several units as affordable housing. Here’s the link if you are interested in reading more about it! https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/developers/svcs/aro.html
DeleteI agree with you that homelessness exposes people to harsh climatic conditions like heavy rains and the victims end up getting cold related diseases like pneumonia. Homeless people are seen as outcasts by other members of the society and they are marginalized in terms of accessing social services like health and education facilities making them feel dehumanized. I think the government should:
Delete1) Affordable Housing: One of the primary reasons for homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. Increasing the availability of affordable housing units and rental assistance programs can help prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless in the first place.
2) Preventive Measures: Implementing prevention programs that offer financial assistance to individuals and families at risk of homelessness can help keep people in their homes and avoid the trauma of becoming homeless.
A global social work intervention to address housing instability and acute poverty in the United States could involve a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy that focuses on enhancing individuals' opportunities and capabilities. This approach would draw on the insights from Onwuegbuchulam's study on the Capability Approach assessment of poverty in KwaZulu Natal.
ReplyDeleteSynopsis of Intervention: Strengthening Housing Stability Capabilities (ECHS)
The objective of the ECHS intervention is to address severe poverty and housing instability by improving the capacities of impacted individuals and communities. This method, which is based on the capability approach, emphasizes the significance of empowering people to attain their valued functionings, which include stable housing, work, education, and health.
Capability Enhancement Centers: Create regional hubs that provide integrated services with the goal of improving the essential skills of people who are facing homelessness. These services would include counseling on housing, legal aid, health care, financial literacy, and vocational training.
Community Development Initiatives: Work on neighborhood-level initiatives to enhance the environment, public transportation, and local infrastructure. This would entail collaborating with companies, local government agencies, and other interested parties to create surroundings that promote people's talents and well-being.
Policy Advocacy: Promote laws that deal with the systemic causes of poverty and unstable housing. This entails advocating for the construction of cheap housing, legislation protecting tenants, and extensive social security programs that aid people in escaping poverty.
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Start campaigns to increase public knowledge of the value of social inclusion as well as the rights to housing, health care, and education. To spread information and rally support from the community, this would entail holding meetings, seminars, and the media.
Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Work together with colleges and universities to offer financial aid and scholarships to people from low-income families. This seeks to end the cycle of poverty by giving people the information and abilities they need to get on in life.
Economic Empowerment Programs: Put in place initiatives that target vulnerable groups and give them access to microcredit, entrepreneurial training, and job placement services. By giving people more financial power, this strategy hopes to enhance their quality of life and increase their sense of security.
Monitoring and Evaluation: To determine how the intervention affects people's capacities and general well-being, a strong monitoring and evaluation system should be established. In order to enable ongoing intervention improvement, this would entail gathering data on numerous indices of poverty, housing stability, and service accessibility.
By utilizing these tactics, the ECHS intervention aims to address the root causes of individuals' opportunities and skills limitations in addition to their immediate requirements for housing instability and poverty. This all-encompassing strategy, which draws inspiration from the Capability Approach, acknowledges that reducing poverty and establishing stable housing include more than financial aid; they also call for giving people the freedom to live meaningful lives.
Your proposed intervention, the ECHS initiative, presents a comprehensive and insightful approach to tackling housing instability and acute poverty in the United States. Drawing from Onwuegbuchulam's study on the Capability Approach, your strategy emphasizes empowering individuals and communities to attain valued functions beyond just material assistance. Integrating Capability Enhancement Centers, Community Development Initiatives, Policy Advocacy, Education and Awareness Campaigns, Partnerships with Educational Institutions, Economic Empowerment Programs, and Monitoring and Evaluation mechanisms showcases a holistic understanding of the multifaceted nature of poverty and housing instability. By addressing systemic causes, enhancing essential skills, promoting social inclusion, and fostering economic empowerment, your intervention targets immediate needs and aims to build sustainable pathways out of poverty. Overall, your approach aligns well with the principles of the Capability Approach and offers a promising framework for addressing these pressing social issues. Well done!
DeleteThere are countless intersections of acute poverty, all of which act as circular causality to one another and perpetuate a constant state of deprivation. This perpetuation could appear in many different types of cycles, but for brevity, the following example is a generalized idea of what one of those cycles could manifest as. A child grows up in intergenerational poverty, resulting in limited access to quality education due to systemic barriers, inadequate local schools (who are navigating their own challenges with limited resources), and financial barriers, to list a few. Limited access to quality education suggests that the child could also experience limited access to employment opportunities in the future. This then limits the individual to low wage jobs that lack security and the ability to afford them basic human necessities, like housing (in a society that is already in the midst of a housing crisis), food (in a society that is already experiencing food insecurity), and healthcare (in a society that is already known to have inadequate access to healthcare), to name a few. This example highlights a system that is set up to “keep the poor, poor,” and as Muhammad Yunus noted, “Poverty is not created by poor people; poverty is created by the institutions we have built around us” (Yunus, n.d). To align with the request to choose one issue causing acute poverty, I would focus intervention efforts on creating access to quality education. One intervention could be to advocate for policies that prioritize school funding and allocation of resources. Another intervention could be to advocate for the development and accessibility of early childhood education. Following suit, that advocacy could extend to the university level, promoting policies that lower tuition rates and make college level education more accessible.
ReplyDeleteReferences
Yunus, M. (n.d.). Architects of Peace. Muhammad Yunus - Reflections on working toward peace. https://www.scu.edu/mcae/architects-of-peace/Yunus/essay.html
The gap between low and high income earners in our country is huge, how can this problem be addressed ? To begin to change this situation. In my opinion, a change in the curriculum in schools should be initiated, which would include the subject of financial management, which would teach how to manage one's finances. In my opinion, parents should also be taught, and the knowledge that they have acquired would allow their children to learn things such as how to invest their money in practice, how to choose funds or areas in which they can invest. But the problem is that in Lithuania, investments are only possible from the age of 18, and for this reason, in my opinion, the state should change the law so that, with the consent of the parents, children can open investment portfolios where they can invest the money that they receive, thus employing their money.
ReplyDeleteThe acute problem of poverty in Colombia persists alongside entrenched gender inequality, particularly evident in limited economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Drawing from Bianco's article on encouraging female entrepreneurship, a global social work intervention could be devised to address this issue comprehensively. This intervention would encompass several key elements: Firstly, it would involve providing entrepreneurship training and capacity-building programs tailored specifically to women entrepreneurs, equipping them with essential skills in business management, financial literacy, and market access. Secondly, access to financial resources would be facilitated through microfinance initiatives and community-based credit programs aimed at overcoming barriers to capital faced by women. Additionally, mentorship and networking opportunities would be created to connect women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and peers, fostering knowledge sharing and support. Moreover, efforts would be made to challenge gender norms and stereotypes through awareness campaigns and community dialogues, promoting a more supportive environment for women's entrepreneurship. Lastly, policy advocacy would be undertaken to address structural barriers and encourage gender equality in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
ReplyDeleteThese collaborations, which would use abundant resources, would make planning and carrying out focused initiatives to empower female entrepreneurs easier. The intervention would reach women from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations by conducting workshops, seminars, and capacity-building initiatives in different regions of Colombia. Furthermore, community engagement strategies such as focus groups and participatory research methods would be employed to ensure the intervention is culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of local women entrepreneurs.The intervention's impact would be continuously monitored and evaluated, and any necessary adjustments would be made in response to input and lessons gained. This intervention can substantially contribute to gender equality and the reduction of poverty in Colombia by empowering women entrepreneurs, confronting gender norms, and addressing structural barriers.
According to the Lithuanian Official Statistics Portal (OPS), poverty in Lithuania is decreasing every year. Since 2021, the absolute poverty rate has almost doubled. Taking into account the statistics, it is interesting to note that the highest level of risk of poverty prevails among older people.
ReplyDeleteIn order to tackle this problem, with unlimited resources, I would seek to strengthen the community. I believe that strengthening the community would make a bold change in the level of poverty among the elderly, as stigma and stereotypes would decrease. I see a huge problem that the fast-paced world of technology is deepening the divide between the little people of the world and their "Grandparents", as generations live in different worlds and older people are not keeping up with the latest trends. This suggests that the slower pace at which seniors are adapting to modern global trends is not only reducing the number of jobs available, but is also significantly limiting seniors' involvement in the community.
In this context, we are inevitably faced with ageism. Ageism is rooted in the structure of social life, is embedded in culture, and is constantly expressed in language (Macnicol 2006).
Like racism and sexism, ageism serves a socio-economic purpose: to legitimise and maintain inequality between different groups in society. Therefore, one of the first steps would be to regulate laws that take age discrimination into account. Secondly, if we look at the 'opinion' of seniors created by the media, we can clearly see the influence that the media has in creating negative stereotypes. The second step would therefore be to ensure that the media's approach to ageing is balanced. Thirdly, to find ways of bridging the gap between the young population of Lithuania and seniors. Fourthly, invest in research that explores the strengths of seniors and their potential for engagement. For example, the number of engineers in Lithuania is declining (in my experience), but I would not be wrong to say that the wisdom of engineering lies in the hands of our elders. Fifthly, creating a home for community existence and support.
I realise that I am not answering directly the question about the 'fight against poverty', but I am convinced that, by tackling the deep problems of discrimination, things such as health care, age discrimination in the workplace and social aspects would create a more stable living situation for seniors. After all, this is very closely linked to moral norms.
Bibliography:
Macnicol,J.(2006).Age Discrimination:AnHistoricalandContemporaryAnalysis.Cambridge University Press: New York
Other bibliography:
Oficialus statistikos portalas: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/eksperimentine-statistika/skurdo-rodikliai
One problem of acute poverty in Kenya that I will focus on is lack of access to clean water and sanitation. This issue is prevalent in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas and informal settlements, where communities often lack reliable sources of clean water and proper sanitation facilities. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases like bilharzia, malnutrition, and other health issues, further exacerbating the cycle of poverty.
ReplyDeleteIn addressing this specific problem, a global social work intervention that could be created is the implementation of a community-driven water and sanitation program. This program would involve working closely with local communities to improve access to clean water sources, build and maintain sanitation infrastructure, and promote hygiene practices to prevent waterborne illnesses.
The intervention would start with a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the specific challenges faced by communities in accessing clean water and sanitation facilities. This assessment would involve engaging with community members, local authorities, and other stakeholders to identify priorities and develop tailored solutions.
The next step would be to design and implement a multi-faceted intervention that addresses the identified needs. This could include activities such as drilling boreholes for clean water, constructing latrines and handwashing stations, providing hygiene education and training, and establishing community-led water and sanitation committees to ensure sustainable management of resources.
Collaboration with local partners, such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations, would be essential for the success of the intervention. Leveraging existing expertise and resources within the community can help ensure that the program is culturally appropriate, sustainable, and responsive to local needs.
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms would be put in place to track progress and measure the impact of the intervention on improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Regular feedback from community members and other stakeholders would also be solicited to inform program adjustments and improvements.
References
1. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program resources: UNICEF provides guidance and resources on water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, including best practices for community-based approaches.
2. World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality: These guidelines outline the standards for safe drinking water and can inform the selection and implementation of appropriate water treatment technologies.
3. Kenya Integrated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (KIWASH) Project: This project, implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to improve water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in select counties in Kenya. Lessons learned from the KIWASH project could inform the design of the intervention.
4. Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach: This approach emphasizes community participation and behavior change to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation practices. Drawing on CLTS principles can help promote sustainable sanitation solutions within communities.
Overall, a community-driven water and sanitation program that focuses on improving access to clean water sources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices could be an effective global social work intervention to address acute poverty in Kenya. By addressing this fundamental need, the intervention has the potential to improve health outcomes, enhance community resilience, and contribute to poverty alleviation in the long term.
ReplyDeleteThe poverty rate in urban areas of Nepal stood at 18.34 percent while it is 24.66 percent in rural areas. Over the last decade, Nepal made significant progress in access to services, as well as health and education. Access to electricity rose from 76 in 2011 to 90 percent in 2019, and over 90 percent of households in 2019 reported access to improved water and sanitation. The ongoing problematic situation of the country is migration, 1000’s of youth are migrated to foreign country either for the education or employment.
To combat poverty or create employment opportunities within the country, I would propose a comprehensive intervention inspired by Muhammad Yunus's approach in Bangladesh, which combines microfinance with community empowerment.
Establish Community Empowerment Centers (CECs), Offer microfinance, vocational training, education, healthcare, and legal aid. Prioritize marginalized groups, including women and minorities. Collaborate with social workers, lawyers, and community leaders. Promote entrepreneurship, skills development, and access to basic services. Monitor and evaluate impact for continuous improvement.
Dana Morozovienė
ReplyDeleteChildren with disabilities from childhood, who grow up and lose their parents early on, fall below the poverty line.Why?.The Lithuanian Sodros system is set up so that children with disabilities from childhood are paid a fixed amount by the state (e.g. €207), the amount also depends on the level of disability. When the child grows up, the payment remains the same as the one recorded, because he/she has no work experience when he/she becomes an adult. How can a person survive on such a low income? Finding a job when they reach adulthood on the basis of their illness is not always successful, as employers are reluctant to take on people, however young. They cannot meet their own needs and pursue the profession they want. This is especially true in the polytechnics, where there is no supplementary scholarship and the National Study Fund pays benefits only to students of higher education. For this reason, in my opinion, the state must change the Sodros laws and take into account the lowest income earners, so that there is no social exclusion. There should also be a reorganisation of the Vocational Training Centres, because not all young people are able to enter higher education.