Poverty Cycle

The cycle of poverty has been described as a phenomenon where poor families become trapped in poverty for generations.

Because they have no or limited access to critical resources, such as

·        Education and

·        Financial services,

Subsequent generations are also impoverished
There are multiply cycles of poverty-based on, among other things,

·        Economic,

·        Social,

·        Spiritual and

·        Geographical factors.

Many cycles overlap or perpetuate new cycles and therefore any attempt to depict the cycle of poverty will be far more simplistic than realistic.

The Figure below shows- in very simplistic terms- how a cycle of poverty related to hunger keeps a person or household poor in one of the world’s developing countries.

Poverty

What is Poverty?
It is having no power, no control of your life and you live life as if it is your last. A country may not be able to support itself economically and so can lead to war or civil unrest. Poverty is often experienced by certain people of society e.g. certain social groups.

Factors of Poverty

• Child Poverty
• Environmental Poverty
• Gender Equality
• Homelessness
• Lack of Food
• Maternal Health

Absolute Poverty

Absolute poverty measures the number of people living below a certain income threshold or the number of households unable to afford certain basic goods and services.

Relative Poverty

Relative poverty measures the extent to which a household’s financial resources falls below an average income threshold for the economy. Although living standards and real incomes have grown because of higher employment and sustained economic growth over recent years, the gains in income and wealth have been unevenly distributed across the population.

Gender Equality

A Summary of the Background of the Issue:

Gender Equality refers to the equal value of men and women and their contribution to society. It allows each gender to overcome prejudice and have fair opportunities in life. Approximately 70% of the world's poor people are female.

In Third world countries, women are treated poorly in terms of education, health, or legal rights.

In the past more so, but still now in poorer countries women are often paid less than men, forced to marry, not given the same education opportunities, forced to work as a slave or sexually abused.

Who it affects:

The issue affects women in general; but more for women in third world countries where we are not able to participate in the same things as men.

 Details about the Issue/Why the Situation Occurs:

The physical qualities and historical responsibilities of men and women attribute to why there is inequality between genders. In many countries women aren’t given or able to gain any power in the government which makes it difficult. Gender Inequaltiy in education, and health can also be explained to some extent by religious prefernece, regional factors and civil freedom.

What can be Done about the Issue (Who is Currently Doing Something?):

• International Women's Day 8th of March, highlights the access to equal rights and participation in the political and economic process for women.
• International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, is on the 25th of November and draws attention to the extent of violence against women.

Social Justice- Catholic Themes

Social Justice

Social Justice concerns itself with our responsibility to ensure that all people are given a ‘fair go’.

Some issues that social justice aims to cover are:

-          Poverty

-          Child Labour

-          Refuges

-          Homelessness

-          Hunger

Dignity of the Human Person

Dignity is the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching, it teaches us that life is sacred.

Questions

1.      In your own words explain what is meant by human dignity.

Dignity is self worth some people go so low that they have no dignity because they are like animals. If you have dignity you have rights!!!

Common Good and Community

 Humans are sacred and social, we live and achieve together, and all humans must be valued in the wider community.

Option for the Poor

Society must consider and help the poor... governments especially must help the poor (end the poverty cycle-no job=no money-=no house=crime/poverty=no way out). To have a good community we must consider those more vulnerable who need need our help.

Questions

1.      A community I am a part of is the Stella Maris community, sports team and I am part of the wider Australian community.

2.      The community is both sacred and social as it gives you a sense of belonging and is social as you make friends.

3.      The major test of a moral society is to be a democracy and give special attention to those who need it.

4.      It looks after the poor by donating to charities and by distributing of wealth (taxes) fairly.

Economic Justice


The economy is here to help people, meaning all workers have rights to fair wages, safety and the right to organize and join unions. Everyone has the right to own property and money.

Rights and Responsibilities

Human dignity can be protected only if human rights are protected. Every person has a right to life and a right to food, shelter, clothing, employment, health care, and education. With these rights come responsibilities to one another.

 

Role of the Government

The state’s job is to promote human dignity, protect human rights, all people have a right to have a say in political institutions so that the government can achieve its proper goals.

 

 

Stewardship of God's Creation

Earth and its objects are gifts from God and they are intended to benefit everyone. We have a responsibility to care for the environment and treat it properly and God would have wanted.

Promotion of Peace and Disarment

Catholic teaching promotes peace as the fruit of justice and that peace is a positive action.

Participation

Everyone has the right to take part in society whether it is by helping out politically, culturally or economically. It is unfair for a person or group to be excluded just because they are different.

Global Solidarity and Development

We are all friends we are one big family. As a family we have responsibilities that overcome national, racial, economic and ideological differences. We should be supporting personal, social, economic and political rights.

Lady Justice

The time honoured symbol of justice in the west is the Lady of Justice (adapted from greek and roman mythology), depicted as a blind-folded woman with a scale in one hand and a sword in the other. Lady Justice stands for equality in the dispensation of justice without favour or prejudice.

We've all heard of greek and roman mythology. Well Lady Justice is derived  from Themis the Goddess of law and justice. Themis was clear sighted and was normally shown as holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. Themis was shown as the first Lady Justice.

Lady Justice is commonly seen with a blindfold around her eyes which represents objectivity for justice. The scales symbolize the impartiality with which justice is served. While the sword depicts the power that is held by those making the decision. Lady Justice is a time hourned symbol in her own right as you can see her depicted in most courtrooms.

Introduction to Social Justice

The protection of the rights of human beings irrespective of:

• Race,
• colour,
• creed/religion
• nationality or
• language,

Is central to any concept of justice.

Justice can be defined as

                             'The morally correct state of persons and their affairs

From a practical point of veiw, justice demands

• equality
• objectivity and
• fair dealing.