Poverty
This module encounters the multi-faceted nature of poverty in both, developing and industrialised countries
Combating poverty
„Poverty is not God-given. Poverty can be removed by collective action. The strategy must involve all sectors and levels of society – including state, market and civil society.“ Ela Bhatt, winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize
Even a comparison between the welfare states, such as between the U.S. and Europe shows large differences in the social systems. While health insurance in Austria is mandatory, health insurance plans in the USA are voluntary and are offered by private companies. But the reduction of poverty is THE dominant theme of development cooperation. A few examples are measures in the area of financial control, combating corruption, climate protection and fair trade. Microcredits - initiated by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus – also enable people to start self-employment and economic independence. Participation is an important word when it comes to comprehensive poverty reduction. The focus is on the approaches that actively involve people with experience of the fight against poverty.
The different strategies for combating poverty put clear focus on the factors leading to poverty and thus operate on several levels. The United Nations issued a statement to this effect in 2000, the so-called Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
By completing the two exercises below, get to grips with the individual MDGs, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, in more detail.
Further reading
Information on ethical investments with socially sustainable effects: http://www.oikocredit.coop/