To what extent does education contribute to reducing poverty and inequality? SOC401

Subject Code :
SOC401
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Country :
India

Research question: To what extent does education contribute to reducing poverty and inequality?

Global picture(countries)

National (state)

Education is a basic human right that helps people gain skills and knowledge for a profession or a job^{^[1]}. This helps in reducing poverty and inequality. Children from disadvantaged homes have little access to quality education. Through my research paper To what extent does education contribute to reducing poverty and inequality ?" I have tried to study the role of education in eradicating poverty. As we know education is important for the growth and advancement of any country. It develops the skills and knowledge needed to become a productive member of society and also improves their standard of living. A significant number of people are unable to access education due to limited resources. Born into poverty, they struggle to afford quality schooling for their children, who, in turn, often grow up in the same challenging conditions. Poverty is an important concern that we face today. People living in poverty are struggling to satisfy their basic needs definitely for them going for education becomes out of the question. Further discrimination based on caste, gender, and religion further worsens the situation. Let us identify the causes of poverty to understand the role of education.

CAUSES OF POVERTY AND INEQUALITIES

Conflict is one of the main factors that can cause an individual or family to fall into poverty. Long-lasting, extensive crises have the power to completely collapse an otherwise healthy economy. A significant conflict in one region of the world can also have an impact on the economics of different nations and continents.^{^[3]}

Individuals who are often below the poverty lin They either do not go to school or are school drop out due to financial reasons. They are unable to develop the skills and expertise required to fetch a stable job. Poverty causes hunger and hunger further worsens poverty. An individual who doesn't eat enough will lack stamina and vitality and a weak person can not sustain work for a longer time. This becomes a never-ending cycle. Malnutrition weakens their immune system, making them more vulnerable to various diseases.^{^[4]}Further due to lack of resources they are unablsystem-Inadequate healthcare system Extreme poverty and poor healthcare health are closely linked. In countries with weaker health systems, diseases like malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections are more common. In nations with patriarchal systems, maternal health is often overlooked. New and expectant mothers may face restrictions in accessin pregnant teenage girls often experience discrimination.^{^[5]}

CONSEQUENCES OF POVERTY AND INEQUALITY

Conflict - Conflict deeply affects poverty and inequality. It destroys communities, leaving families without homes, jobs or access to basic needs like food and clean water. Many people are forced to flee their homes, seeking safety but often finding themselves in camps or dangerous areas with limited resources. Children, unable to attend school, lose the chance for education that could change their futures. The resources that remain are often unequally shared, leaving the most vulnerable without support. As conflict continues, it widens the gap between the wealthy and the poor, creating long-term suffering and hardship for many. A major crisis in one region can also impact the economies of different nations and continents, as seen in recent years. Before a major crisis began in 2011, only 10% of Syrians were living below the poverty level. The UNHCR now estimates that more than 90% of Syrians will be living below the poverty line by the end of 2023, reversing that number.

Lack of education- When people dont have any educational background, it can make their lives very hard. They might struggle to find good jobs, and this can leave them with little money to take care of themselves and their families. Without education, people might not learn important skills, like how to take care of their health or how to make smart choices for their future. Children who dont go to school miss out on learning how to read and write, which makes it harder for them to find a good job later. It can also make it harder for them to help their communities grow and improve. Education helps break the cycle of poverty and gives everyone a better chance at a brighter future.

Hunger and malnutrition- make it hard for people to stay healthy and strong. Without enough food, children can't grow properly or learn well in school. Adults may feel tired and weak, making it hard to work and provide for their families. Malnutrition can lead to serious health problems, like weakened immune systems, which make it easier to get sick. Over time, hunger and malnutrition can hold entire communities back from improving and growing.

Inadequate healthcare system- When a healthcare system isnt good, people cant get the treatment they need, making them sicker. This can lead to more people dying from diseases that could have been treated. Without proper care, people cant work or take care of their families, which makes life harder. It also makes it tough for communities to stay healthy and grow. In the end, it keeps people from living happy, healthy lives.

LOCAL/STATE PERSPECTIVE

The impact of these education schemes has varied greatly depending on the region, and one of the main reasons for this difference is how well the schemes have been implemented. In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where literacy rates are high and infrastructure is strong, the poverty rates have decreased. Education in these areas has opened up more economic opportunities, allowing people to earn higher incomes and access skilled jobs. On the other hand, in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, where literacy levels are lower and educational opportunities are more limited, poverty remains a bigger issue.^{^[6]} The lack of quality education and fewer job opportunities are major factors that keep people trapped in poverty. These regional differences highlight how important it is for education policies to be carried out effectively to make a real impact.The divide between urban and rural areas also plays a big role in inequality within states. Urban areas tend to have better educational facilities and easier access to resources, while rural areas often lag, which only makes poverty worse in these regions. In Haryana, for example, urban areas benefit from increased economic opportunities and lower poverty rates, thanks to better access to education. Cities have good educational infrastructure, with plenty of schools and qualified teachers. In contrast, rural areas like Rewari face challenges that limit access to education. This leads to high dropout rates and lower literacy levels. Many families in these areas, especially poorer ones, struggle to send their children to school, with girls facing even more barriers. Children often miss school because of financial difficulties and household responsibilities, which keeps them stuck in the cycle of poverty.

NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE-

Education plays a huge role in shaping the economy, and in India, we can see how it has helped reduce poverty and inequality related to caste, religion, and gender. India Education plays a huge role in shaping the economy, and in India, we can see how it has helped reduce poverty and inequality related to caste, religion, and gender. India has introduced several important programs to make education accessible to everyone. For example, the Right to Education Act, passed in 2009, made education free and mandatory for children aged 6 to 14, helping more kids, especially in rural areas, go to school. Another significant initiative, the Midday Meal Scheme, provides free and nutritious meals to primary and upper primary school students. This has helped reduce malnutrition, particularly for children in rural areas, and encourages parents to send their kids to school, leading to better attendance and learning outcomes. India has also launched schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to tackle gender-specific challenges in education^{^[7]}. This program works to reduce gender inequality by promoting girls' education and fighting female infanticide, creating a safer, more encouraging environment for girls to study. All of these efforts aim to build a more inclusive education system and break down the social and economic barriers that stop many from going to school. However, despite these programs, poverty hasn't been significantly reduced yet, mainly due to the challenges in fully implementing these schemes across the country.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

The Finnish education system is a great example of how good education can lead to less poverty. In Finland, only about 0.10% of people live in poverty. This success comes from making sure every student, no matter their background, has access to quality education. Teachers in Finland are highly trained and respected, and instead of relying on tests, they focus on helping students grow and learn at their own pace. Finlands educational success is built on important factors like offering free meals and educational materials at all levels, from basic to vocational education. This support system eases the financial stress on families and helps students stay healthy and motivated to learn. By focusing on fairness and equality, the system gives students the skills they need for different careers, leading to higher employment and less poverty. Finlands model shows how fair access to resources can improve both society and the economy.^{^[8]} South Korea is another great example of how education drives economic growth and reduces poverty. After the Korean War, the country faced serious challenges like widespread poverty and limited access to quality education. Recognizing the importance of education for national progress, South Korea adopted policies to build a strong education system. By focusing on universal access to schooling, the country created a plan that focused on both academic learning and vocational training. This approach equipped its workforce with the skills needed to succeed in the global economy, transforming South Korea into one of the worlds leading nations. The South Korean government has put in place several programs to make sure that education is fair and available to everyone. Free schooling and scholarships are just a couple of ways they help students from poorer families get a good education. This support has made it easier for those who might otherwise struggle to access quality education, helping to level the playing field. By focusing on education for all, South Korea has built a stronger, more skilled workforce. This has been a big part of reducing poverty and creating more job opportunities, not only within the country but also in the global job market. Because of these efforts, many people now have a better chance at a brighter future. It shows how investing in education can lift whole communities.

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/11149StudyonInequalities.pdf

Conclusion:

Poverty and inequality are serious issues that affect many people around the world. Education, healthcare, and support systems like free meals can help reduce poverty by giving people the tools they need to improve their lives. Countries like Finland and South Korea show how investing in education can create more job opportunities and lower poverty rates. However, these changes take time and require strong efforts from governments and communities. By working together, we can help make the world a more equal place for everyone.

Personal Perspective:

In my opinion, everyone should have the chance to get a good education, no matter where they come from. Education can help people find better jobs and improve their lives. I believe that if countries focus more on providing education and healthcare for all, we can reduce poverty and inequality. Everyone needs to have the same opportunities because everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed.