Situational poverty is caused by uncontrollable events such as job loss or unexpected expenses, and differs from generational poverty. Understanding the difference is important for poverty advocates, as those in situational poverty may have different values and support networks. Short-term solutions involve addressing the cause and seeking employment, while prolonged situational poverty can lead to generational poverty.
Situational poverty is a period of poverty caused by situational factors, in contrast to generational poverty, which is an entrenched form of poverty that can span multiple generations of a family. There are a number of reasons for this condition, but some of the most common are divorce, death of a spouse, unexpected health expenses, and loss of a job. These uncontrollable events can cause a spiral of events leading to a loss of income and material possessions.
Understanding the difference between generational and situational poverty is crucial for people who work with the poor and for poverty advocates. People in different types of poverty tend to approach their circumstances differently, and may have very different values or priorities. By not trying to understand the circumstances of the poor in a region, activists can sometimes do more harm than good, even when they think they are trying to help.
Someone experiencing situational poverty often has a higher level of education than people experiencing entrenched poverty. He or she is also often familiar with the complex hidden rules and social codes of the middle classes, and this knowledge can come in handy when that person is trying to cope. People in this situation are also more likely to have assistance to turn to, in the form of family members and support people in the community, and this can make a big difference.
Poverty can be exhausting, especially without a support network. For people who have worked hard all their lives, it can also be extremely depressing, as it can seem like everything is being taken away for no apparent reason. Many people who work with people experiencing poverty point to such circumstances as a sobering lesson, as they can potentially hit anyone; Many people in the middle classes, for example, are just one catastrophic accident away from losing everything.
Getting out of poverty in the short term generally requires identifying and addressing the cause and seeking employment to help alleviate the situation. In many cultures, assistance is provided in the form of temporary government benefits, job placement assistance, food banks, etc., in the hope of preventing people from running out of resources. If situational poverty is prolonged, it has the potential to become generational, something most advocates would like to avoid.
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