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Social povertyTypes of social povertyCauses of social povertyConsequences of social povertyHow to combat social poverty?

Social poverty

Social poverty refers to the fact that poverty, regardless of the type of poverty, is a situation or social condition of the population in which it occurs.


Poverty shows the inability of certain members of society to access certain resources. In this sense, it is a social condition due to the fact that we are referring to a society, as well as the place that people occupy in it.


Therefore, social poverty refers to the poverty that exists in a given society, subsequently being measured by the existing types of poverty.


This is measured based on the aid received by people with limited resources within a society. Thus, social poverty is one of the main problems that occur in society.

Social conflict, according to the United Nations (UN), is the lack of agreement between two or more people. However, as long as said lack of agreement persists over time, affecting, in this way, a large group of individuals for whom said situation generates negative effects.


Social conflict can also lead to signs of violence. These types of conflicts, like armed conflicts, have repercussions on a certain population. In fact, a conflict is considered social when said conflict affects a large population group, generating unpleasant situations that may be the result of the discomfort generated.


Through this conflict, what is known as “social conflict theories” have been developed. These promote, among other things, the need for state intervention that, on the one hand, corrects this situation, while, on the other hand, achieves authentic social integration.

A social conflict occurs when situations occur in countries or regions that can give rise to unpleasant circumstances for coexistence and social integration.


Among these situations we could highlight the following:

  • Corruption.
  • Social and economic inequality.
  • Absence of the State and lack of legislation and institutional framework.
  • Economical crisis.
  • Natural crises.
  • Poverty.
  • Racism, machismo, homophobia, etc.

Social conflicts, in the same way they originate, have consequences in society that must be highlighted.


Among these consequences the following could be mentioned:

  • Illegal migration.
  • Crime and vandalism.
  • Corruption and drug trafficking.
  • Poverty.
  • Social unrest.
  • Lack of resources.

In order to avoid this situation, as well as remedy those people who suffer from it, active policies must be applied to combat social conflicts from international institutions and organizations.


  • These policies are based on a series of strategies which could include the following:
  • Promotion of equality and efficient allocation of resources.
  • Promotion of social integration and access to basic resources.
  • Promotion of social elevators that allow such integration.
  • Promotion of solidarity between cohabitants.
  • Promotion of education in values ​​from childhood.
  • Development of plans to promote access to basic services.


The oppression of a people by a dictator, or the guerrillas in Latin America, are clear examples of what could be called social conflict.


The power of a dictator, who hoards resources for the ruling elite, without addressing the needs of the people, produces a feeling of discomfort in the population. All of this is due to the inequality that occurs, as well as the poverty generated by the corrupt allocation of resources.


Something similar happens with guerrillas in Latin America. Which, for reasons such as discrimination, politics or economics, were driven to be at war with society.

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Types of social poverty

Depending on the measurement, the place in which it occurs, as well as other variables, poverty can present different types. Among the types of poverty that we can find in society, we can highlight the following:

  • Material.
  • Rural.
  • Urban.
  • Relative.
  • Absolute.
  • Childish.
  • Structural.
  • Conjunctural.
  • Extreme.

Thus, these types of poverty represent the main types that, until now, are used. Thus, the different types vary, depending on how the measurement is carried out, as well as the place, the environment, the context, to which we are referring.

Causes of social poverty

 Among the main causes that cause poverty to exist in a given society, many could be highlighted. However, below are the main causes that give rise to any situation of poverty. Therefore, among the main causes of poverty in society, the following should be highlighted:

  • Armed conflicts.
  • Natural disasters.
  • Economic inequality.
  • Government disinterest.
  • Racial discrimination.
  • Gender discrimination.
  • Massive population growth.
  • Poor distribution of resources.
  • Economic informality.
  • Climate change.
  • Multinational trade model.

Consequences of social poverty

Thus, once we have the causes, we will know the consequences of a country presenting high levels of poverty. In this sense, the main consequences that affect a country when it has high levels of poverty are the following:

  • Malnutrition.
  • High levels of mortality.
  • Social conflicts.
  • Crime and vandalism.
  • Illiteracy.
  • Stagnation in development.
  • Bad health.

These, among others, are some of the possible consequences that a high level of poverty could lead to.

How to combat social poverty?

There are many organizations that are responsible for combating poverty. From the Governments themselves to non-governmental organizations, poverty is presented as one of the main situations to combat in different countries. Thus, among the main methods to combat poverty, the following should be highlighted:

  • Improve access to basic services.
  • Allocate aid and resources.
  • Monitor aid and ensure that it reaches where it should go.
  • Facilitate access to education.
  • Promote employment and income generation.
  • Promote the responsible use of resources.
  • Facilitate access to healthcare.
  • Generate a progressive tax system.
  • Build rural infrastructure.