poverty essay hooks

7 Essays About Poverty: Example Essays and Prompts

Essays about poverty give valuable insight into the economic situation that we share globally. Read our guide with poverty essay examples and prompts for your paper.

In the US, the official poverty rate in 2022 was 11.5 percent, with 37.9 million people living below the poverty line. With a global pandemic, cost of living crisis, and climate change on the rise, we’ve seen poverty increase due to various factors. As many of us face adversity daily, we can look to essays about poverty from some of the world’s greatest speakers for inspiration and guidance.

There is nothing but a lack of social vision to prevent us from paying an adequate wage to every American citizen whether he be a hospital worker, laundry worker, maid or day laborer. There is nothing except shortsightedness to prevent us from guaranteeing an annual minimum—and livable—income for every American family. Martin Luther King Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?

Writing a poverty essay can be challenging due to the many factors contributing to poverty and the knock-on effects of living below the poverty line . For example, homelessness among low-income individuals stems from many different causes.

It’s important to note that poverty exists beyond the US, with many developing countries living in extreme poverty without access to essentials like clean water and housing. For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .

Essays About Poverty: Top Examples

1. pensioner poverty: fear of rise over decades as uk under-40s wealth falls, 2. the surprising poverty levels across the u.s., 3. why poverty persists in america, 4. post-pandemic poverty is rising in america’s suburbs.

• 5. The Basic Facts About Children in Poverty
• 6. The State of America’s Children 
• 7. COVID-19: This is how many Americans now live below the poverty line

10 Poverty Essay Topics

1. the causes of poverty, 2. the negative effects of poverty, 3. how countries can reduce poverty rates, 4. the basic necessities and poverty, 5. how disabilities can lead to poverty, 6. how the cycle of poverty unfolds , 7. universal basic income and its relationship to poverty, 8. interview someone who has experience living in poverty, 9. the impact of the criminal justice system on poverty, 10. the different ways to create affordable housing.

There is growing concern about increasing pensioner poverty in the UK in the coming decades. Due to financial challenges like the cost of living crisis, rent increases, and the COVID-19 pandemic, under 40s have seen their finances shrink.

Osborne discusses the housing wealth gap in this article, where many under the 40s currently pay less in a pension due to rent prices. While this means they will have less pension available, they will also retire without owning a home, resulting in less personal wealth than previous generations. Osborne delves into the causes and gaps in wealth between generations in this in-depth essay.

“Those under-40s have already been identified as  facing the biggest hit from rising mortgage rates , and last week a study by the financial advice firm Hargreaves Lansdown found that almost a third of 18- to 34-year-olds had stopped or cut back on their pension contributions in order to save money.” Hilary Osborne,  The Guardian

In this 2023 essay, Jeremy Ney looks at the poverty levels across the US, stating that poverty has had the largest one-year increase in history. According to the most recent census, child poverty has more than doubled from 2021 to 2022.

Ney states that the expiration of government support and inflation has created new financial challenges for US families. With the increased cost of living and essential items like food and housing sharply increasing, more and more families have fallen below the poverty line. Throughout this essay, Ney displays statistics and data showing the wealth changes across states, ethnic groups, and households.

“Poverty in America reflects the inequality that plagues U.S. households. While certain regions have endured this pain much more than others, this new rising trend may spell ongoing challenges for even more communities.” Jeremy Ney,  TIME

In this New York Times article, a Pulitzer Prize-winning sociologist explores why poverty exists in North America.

The American poor have access to cheap, mass-produced goods, as every American does. But that doesn’t mean they can access what matters most. Matthew Desmond,  The New York Times

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its annual data on poverty, revealing contrasting trends for 2022. While one set of findings indicated that the overall number of Americans living in poverty remained stable compared to the previous two years, another survey highlighted a concerning increase in child poverty. The rate of child poverty in the U.S. doubled from 2021 to 2022, a spike attributed mainly to the cessation of the expanded child tax credit following the pandemic. These varied outcomes underscore the Census Bureau’s multifaceted methods to measure poverty.

“The nation’s suburbs accounted for the majority of increases in the poor population following the onset of the pandemic” Elizabeth Kneebone and Alan Berube,  Brookings

5.  The Basic Facts About Children in Poverty

Nearly 11 million children are living in poverty in America. This essay explores ow the crisis reached this point—and what steps must be taken to solve it.

“In America, nearly 11 million children are poor. That’s 1 in 7 kids, who make up almost one-third of all people living in poverty in this country.” Areeba Haider,  Center for American Progress

6.  The State of America’s Children  

This essay articles how, despite advancements, children continue to be the most impoverished demographic in the U.S., with particular subgroups — such as children of color, those under five, offspring of single mothers, and children residing in the South — facing the most severe poverty levels.

“Growing up in poverty has wide-ranging, sometimes lifelong, effects on children, putting them at a much higher risk of experiencing behavioral, social, emotional, and health challenges. Childhood poverty also plays an instrumental role in impairing a child’s ability and capacity to learn, build skills, and succeed academically.” Children’s Defense Fund

7.  COVID-19: This is how many Americans now live below the poverty line

This essay explores how the economic repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic 2020 led to a surge in U.S. poverty rates, with unemployment figures reaching unprecedented heights. The writer provides data confirming that individuals at the lowest economic strata bore the brunt of these challenges, indicating that the recession might have exacerbated income disparities, further widening the chasm between the affluent and the underprivileged.

“Poverty in the U.S. increased in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic hammered the economy and unemployment soared. Those at the bottom of the economic ladder were hit hardest, new figures confirm, suggesting that the recession may have widened the gap between the rich and the poor.” Elena Delavega,  World Econmic Forum

If you’re tasked with writing an essay about poverty, consider using the below topics. They offer pointers for outlining and planning an essay about this challenging topic.

One of the most specific poverty essay topics to address involves the causes of poverty. You can craft an essay to examine the most common causes of extreme poverty. Here are a few topics you might want to include:

• Racial discrimination, particularly among African Americans, has been a common cause of poverty throughout American history. Discrimination and racism can make it hard for people to get the education they need, making it nearly impossible to get a job.
• A lack of access to adequate health care can also lead to poverty. When people do not have access to healthcare, they are more likely to get sick. This could make it hard for them to go to work while also leading to major medical bills.
• Inadequate food and water can lead to poverty as well. If people’s basic needs aren’t met, they focus on finding food and water instead of getting an education they can use to find a better job.

These are just a few of the most common causes of poverty you might want to highlight in your essay. These topics could help people see why some people are more likely to become impoverished than others. You might also be interested in these essays about poverty .

Poverty affects everyone, and the impacts of an impoverished lifestyle are very real. Furthermore, the disparities when comparing adult poverty to child poverty are also significant. This opens the doors to multiple possible essay topics. Here are a few points to include:

• When children live in poverty, their development is stunted. For example, they might not be able to get to school on time due to a lack of transportation, making it hard for them to keep up with their peers. Child poverty also leads to malnutrition, which can stunt their development.
• Poverty can impact familial relationships as well. For example, members of the same family could fight for limited resources, making it hard for family members to bond. In addition, malnutrition can stunt the growth of children.
• As a side effect of poverty, people have difficulty finding a safe place to live. This creates a challenging environment for everyone involved, and it is even harder for children to grow and develop.
• When poverty leads to homelessness, it is hard for someone to get a job. They don’t have an address to use for physical communication, which leads to employment concerns.

These are just a few of the many side effects of poverty. Of course, these impacts are felt by people across the board, but it is not unusual for children to feel the effects of poverty that much more. You might also be interested in these essays about unemployment .

Different countries take different approaches to reduce the number of people living in poverty

The issue of poverty is a major human rights concern, and many countries explore poverty reduction strategies to improve people’s quality of life. You might want to examine different strategies that different countries are taking while also suggesting how some countries can do more. A few ways to write this essay include:

• Explore the poverty level in America, comparing it to the poverty level of a European country. Then, explore why different countries take different strategies.
• Compare the minimum wage in one state, such as New York, to the minimum wage in another state, such as Alabama. Why is it higher in one state? What does raising the minimum wage do to the cost of living?
• Highlight a few advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations actively lobbying their governments to do more for low-income families. Then, talk about why some efforts are more successful than others.

Different countries take different approaches to reduce the number of people living in poverty. Poverty within each country is such a broad topic that you could write a different essay on how poverty could be decreased within the country. For more, check out our list of simple essays topics for intermediate writers .

You could also write an essay on the necessities people need to survive. You could take a look at information published by the United Nations , which focuses on getting people out of the cycle of poverty across the globe. The social problem of poverty can be addressed by giving people the necessities they need to survive, particularly in rural areas. Here are some of the areas you might want to include:

• Affordable housing
• Fresh, healthy food and clean water
• Access to an affordable education
• Access to affordable healthcare

Giving everyone these necessities could significantly improve their well-being and get people out of absolute poverty. You might even want to talk about whether these necessities vary depending on where someone is living.

There are a lot of medical and social issues that contribute to poverty, and you could write about how disabilities contribute to poverty. This is one of the most important essay topics because people could be disabled through no fault of their own. Some of the issues you might want to address in this essay include:

• Talk about the road someone faces if they become disabled while serving overseas. What is it like for people to apply for benefits through the Veterans’ Administration?
• Discuss what happens if someone becomes disabled while at work. What is it like for someone to pursue disability benefits if they are hurt doing a blue-collar job instead of a desk job?
• Research and discuss the experiences of disabled people and how their disability impacts their financial situation.

People who are disabled need to have money to survive for many reasons, such as the inability to work, limitations at home, and medical expenses. A lack of money, in this situation, can lead to a dangerous cycle that can make it hard for someone to be financially stable and live a comfortable lifestyle.

Many people talk about the cycle of poverty, yet many aren’t entirely sure what this means or what it entails. A few key points you should address in this essay include:

• When someone is born into poverty, income inequality can make it hard to get an education.
• A lack of education makes it hard for someone to get into a good school, which gives them the foundation they need to compete for a good job. 
• A lack of money can make it hard for someone to afford college, even if they get into a good school.
• Without attending a good college, it can be hard for someone to get a good job. This makes it hard for someone to support themselves or their families. 
• Without a good paycheck, it is nearly impossible for someone to keep their children out of poverty, limiting upward mobility into the middle class.

The problem of poverty is a positive feedback loop. It can be nearly impossible for those who live this every day to escape. Therefore, you might want to explore a few initiatives that could break the cycle of world poverty and explore other measures that could break this feedback loop.

Many business people and politicians have floated the idea of a universal basic income to give people the basic resources they need to survive. While this hasn’t gotten a lot of serious traction, you could write an essay to shed light on this idea. A few points to hit on include:

• What does a universal basic income mean, and how is it distributed?
• Some people are concerned about the impact this would have on taxes. How would this be paid for?
• What is the minimum amount of money someone would need to stay out of poverty? Is it different in different areas?
• What are a few of the biggest reasons major world governments haven’t passed this?

This is one of the best essay examples because it gives you a lot of room to be creative. However, there hasn’t been a concrete structure for implementing this plan, so you might want to afford one.

Another interesting topic you might want to explore is interviewing someone living in poverty or who has been impoverished. While you can talk about statistics all day, they won’t be as powerful as interviewing someone who has lived that life. A few questions you might want to ask during your interview include:

• What was it like growing up?
• How has living in poverty made it hard for you to get a job?
• What do you feel people misunderstand about those who live in poverty?
• When you need to find a meal, do you have a place you go to? Or is it somewhere different every day?
• What do you think is the main contributor to people living in poverty?

Remember that you can also craft different questions depending on your responses. You might want to let the interviewee read the essay when you are done to ensure all the information is accurate and correct.

The criminal justice system and poverty tend to go hand in hand. People with criminal records are more likely to be impoverished for several reasons. You might want to write an essay that hits on some of these points:

• Discuss the discriminatory practices of the criminal justice system both as they relate to socioeconomic status and as they relate to race.
• Explore just how hard it is for someone to get a job if they have a criminal record. Discuss how this might contribute to a life of poverty.
• Dive into how this creates a positive feedback loop. For example, when someone cannot get a job due to a criminal record, they might have to steal to survive, which worsens the issue.
• Review what the criminal justice system might be like for someone with resources when compared to someone who cannot afford to hire expert witnesses or pay for a good attorney.

You might want to include a few examples of disparate sentences for people in different socioeconomic situations to back up your points. 

Affordable housing can make a major difference when someone is trying to escape poverty

Many poverty-related problems could be reduced if people had access to affordable housing. While the cost of housing has increased dramatically in the United States , some initiatives exist to create affordable housing. Here are a few points to include:

• Talk about public programs that offer affordable housing to people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Discuss private programs, such as Habitat for Humanity , doing similar things.
• Review the positive impacts that stable housing has on both adults and children.
• Dive into other measures local and federal governments could take to provide more affordable housing for people.

There are a lot of political and social angles to address with this essay, so you might want to consider spreading this out across multiple papers. Affordable housing can make a major difference when trying to escape poverty. If you want to learn more, check out our essay writing tips !

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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Essay on Poverty: Samples in 100, 200, 300 Words

• Updated on  
• Oct 14, 2023

Poverty is a deep-rooted problem that continues to affect a large portion of the world’s population today. It touches on several aspects of human life including but not limited to political, economic, and social elements. Even though there are several methods to escape poverty, still issues arise due to a lack of adequate unity among the country’s citizens. Here are some essays on poverty which will give you insights about this topic.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Poverty in 100 words
• 2 Essay on Poverty in 200 words
• 3.1 Reasons Behind Poverty
• 3.2 World Poverty Conditions
• 3.3 Role of NGOs to Eradicate Poverty
• 3.4 What Can be Done by Us?

Essay on Poverty in 100 words

Poverty is defined as a state of scarcity, and the lack of material possessions to such an extreme extent that people have difficulties in fulfilling their basic needs. Robert McNamara, a former World Bank President, states that extreme poverty is limited by illiteracy, malnutrition, disease, high infant mortality rate, squalid conditions of living, and low life expectancy.

In order to eradicate poverty in a country, strict measures need to be taken on all levels. The political system needs to address this issue with utmost sincerity and strategic implementation in such a way that it improves the lives of people, especially the ones living below the poverty line. 

Also Read: Speech on Made in India

Essay on Poverty in 200 words

Poverty is like a parasite that degrades its host and eventually causes a lot of damage to the host. It is basically the scarcity of basic needs that leads to an extremely degraded life and even low life expectancy. It includes a lack of food, shelter, medication, education, and other basic necessities. Poverty is a more serious circumstance where people are forced to starve. It can be caused by a variety of factors depending upon the country. 

Every country that is hit with pandemic diseases, experiences an increase in poverty rates. This is because of the fact that poor people are unable to receive adequate medical care and hence are unable to maintain their health. This renders the people powerless and even puts their liberty in jeopardy. This is because of the fact that poor people can become trapped in a vicious cycle of servitude. The condition of poverty is a distressing one that causes pain, despair, and grief in the lives of the ones it affects. 

This is also a negative scenario that prevents a child from attending basic education. It’s the lack of money that prevents people from living sufficiently. Also, it is the cause of more serious social concerns such as slavery, child labour, etc. Hence action is needed on the same with utmost sincerity. 

Essay on Poverty in 300 words

Poverty is a multifaceted concept that includes several aspects such as social aspects, political elements, economic aspects, etc. It is basically associated with undermining a variety of essential human attributes such as health, education, etc. Despite the growth and development of the economies of countries, poverty still exists in almost every one of them. 

Reasons Behind Poverty

There are several contributing reasons behind poverty in a nation. Some of them are mentioned below:-

• Lack of literacy among citizens
• Lack of Capital in the country
• Large families and a rapidly growing population
• Limited employment opportunities

There are even urban areas where the slum population is increasing. These are deprived of many basic amenities such as sanitation, drainage systems, and low-cost water supply, etc. 

World Poverty Conditions

According to UNICEF , around 22000 children lose their lives each day due to poverty. There are approximately 1.9 billion children in developing countries in the world and India is also among them. Out of these, approximately 640 million don’t have a proper shelter, 270 million are living without medical facilities, and approximately 400 million don’t have access to safe water. This worldwide situation is growing at a fast pace. 

Role of NGOs to Eradicate Poverty

The approaches by NGOs basically include helping the poor by providing various public services such as medical services etc.

They also play a major role in mobilizing the services recommended by the government. They have various approaches and strategies that directly help the poor in various ways.

What Can be Done by Us?

We help in eradicating poverty by increasing employment opportunities.

Ensuring financial services and providing the same is another such measure that can be taken.

Recognizing social entrepreneurs as people of influence, conveying to them the seriousness of this situation, and then eventually making people aware of the same is another thing that can be done. 

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Writing an essay on poverty in 200 words requires you to describe various aspects of this topic such as what causes poverty, how it affects individuals and society as a whole, etc. The condition of poverty is a distressing one that causes pain, despair, and grief in the lives of the ones it affects.

An essay on poverty may be started as follows:- Poverty is a deep-rooted problem that continues to affect a large portion of the world’s population today. It touches on several aspects of human life including but not limited to political, economic, and social elements. Even though there are several methods to escape poverty, still issues arise due to a lack of adequate unity among the country’s citizens.

Poverty in 100 words: Poverty is defined as a state of scarcity, and the lack of material possessions to such an extreme extent that people have difficulties in fulfilling their basic needs. Robert McNamara, a former World Bank President, states that extreme poverty is limited by illiteracy, malnutrition, disease, high infant mortality rate, squalid conditions of living, and low life expectancy. In order to eradicate poverty in a country, strict measures need to be taken on all levels. The political system needs to address this issue with utmost sincerity and strategic implementation in such a way that it improves the lives of people, especially the ones living below the poverty line.

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Deepansh Gautam

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Writing Prompts about Poverty

• 🗃️ Essay topics
• ❓ Research questions
• 📝 Topic sentences
• 🪝 Essay hooks
• 📑 Thesis statements
• 🔀 Hypothesis examples
• 🧐 Personal statements

🔗 References

🗃️ essay topics on poverty.

• The causes and consequences of poverty in developed countries.
• The impact of poverty on child development and education.
• Single mothers, poverty, and mental health issues.
• The effectiveness of government policies and programs in reducing poverty.
• The role of race, ethnicity, and gender in shaping experiences of poverty.
• The intersection of poverty and mental health.
• The impact of poverty on food insecurity and nutrition.
• Racial inequality, poverty, and gentrification in Durham, North Carolina.
• The relationship between poverty and crime.
• The impact of poverty on access to healthcare.
• The impact of globalization and economic inequality on poverty.
• Peter Singer’s solution to world poverty analysis.
• The role of education and skills training in poverty reduction.
• The impact of poverty on family dynamics and relationships.
• The role of community-based organizations in addressing poverty.
• Review of causes of poverty problem.
• The impact of poverty on housing insecurity and homelessness.
• The relationship between poverty and environmental justice.
• The impact of poverty on social mobility and economic opportunity.
• The role of the private sector in addressing poverty and inequality.
• The impact of poverty on rural communities.
• The impact of poverty on immigrant communities.
• The snap challenge: living in poverty.
• The relationship between poverty and political participation.
• The role of international aid and development in reducing poverty globally.

❓ Poverty Research Questions

• How does poverty affect children’s health, education, and overall well-being, and what can be done to mitigate these effects?
• How does poverty intersect with other forms of inequality, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation?
• What are the unique challenges facing immigrants living in poverty, and what strategies can be employed to support these populations?
• How does poverty affect mental health , and what interventions are most effective in addressing these challenges?
• What are the primary causes of poverty, and how do they differ between developed and developing countries ?
• How does poverty contribute to crime, and what strategies can be employed to reduce this connection?
• How does poverty affect access to healthcare, and what can be done to ensure that individuals living in poverty receive adequate medical care?
• What role does education and skills training play in reducing poverty, and what approaches are most effective?
• How does poverty affect family dynamics, and what strategies can be employed to reduce the negative impact of poverty on families?
• How do community-based organizations address poverty, and what are the most effective strategies for these organizations to employ?
• What are the most effective strategies for addressing homelessness and housing insecurity among individuals living in poverty?
• How does poverty impact social mobility and economic opportunity, and what can be done to address these challenges?
• What role can the private sector play in addressing poverty and inequality, and what approaches are most effective?
• How do international aid and development impact poverty reduction efforts in developing countries, and what approaches are most effective?
• What are the most effective strategies for building economic resilience among communities experiencing or at risk of poverty?

📝 Topic Sentences on Poverty

• Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, poverty continues to be a persistent problem in the United States.
• Poverty has a profound impact on the mental and physical health of individuals, exacerbating existing health disparities and contributing to a cycle of disadvantage.
• Addressing poverty requires a multifaceted approach that includes not only economic policies and programs but also social and cultural change at the community level.

🪝 Top Hooks for Poverty Paper

📍 statistical hooks for essay about poverty.

• According to the latest data from the United Nations, nearly 10% of the world’s population, or roughly 734 million people, live in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.90 per day.
• In the United States, poverty rates have remained stubbornly high over the past few decades, with nearly 34 million Americans, or 10.5% of the population, living below the poverty line as of 2019.

📍 Question Hooks on Poverty for Essay

• How can we effectively address the root causes of poverty and break the cycle of disadvantage that perpetuates it?
• What impact does poverty have on different aspects of society, from health and education to social mobility and political participation?

📍 Autobiography Hooks about Poverty for Essay

• As someone who grew up in poverty, I know firsthand the challenges and barriers that individuals and families face in trying to break free from the cycle of disadvantage.
• Growing up in a low-income community, I witnessed the ways in which poverty can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from access to education and healthcare to social and cultural opportunities.

📑 Best Poverty Thesis Statements

✔️ argumentative thesis examples on poverty.

• Despite the widespread belief that poverty is a personal failing, evidence suggests that poverty is a systemic issue rooted in economic inequality, political disenfranchisement, and historical legacies of oppression that must be addressed through collective action and social change.
• The stigmatization of poverty perpetuates harmful stereotypes and hinders progress toward reducing economic inequality, and society must shift toward a more empathetic and inclusive understanding of poverty in order to achieve meaningful change.

✔️ Analytical Thesis Samples on Poverty

• An analysis of poverty in the United States reveals that systemic barriers such as lack of access to education, healthcare, and affordable housing contribute significantly to poverty rates, and policy solutions must address these root causes in order to be effective.
• A comparative analysis of poverty in different regions and countries highlights the ways in which cultural, historical, and political factors interact with economic conditions to shape poverty outcomes, underscoring the importance of context-specific interventions in addressing poverty.

✔️ Informative Thesis about Poverty

• Poverty is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors, including economic, social, and political forces, that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
• Child poverty is a pervasive and detrimental issue that has long-term consequences for individuals and society as a whole, including decreased educational attainment, poorer health outcomes, and reduced economic productivity.

🔀 Poverty Hypothesis Examples

• Poverty is a root cause of social and economic inequality, and it perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage that makes it difficult for individuals and communities to break free from poverty.
• Policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty, such as access to education, healthcare, and affordable housing, can have a positive impact on individuals and communities by improving their standard of living and increasing their economic opportunities.

🔂 Null & Alternative Hypothesis on Poverty

• Null hypothesis: There is no significant relationship between poverty and access to education, healthcare, and affordable housing.
• Alternative hypothesis: There is a significant relationship between poverty and access to education, healthcare, and affordable housing, indicating that individuals and communities with greater access to these resources are less likely to experience poverty or its negative consequences.

🧐 Examples of Personal Statement about Poverty

• Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed firsthand the daily struggles and hardships that poverty can bring. It was a constant battle to make ends meet, and basic necessities such as food and shelter were often out of reach. However, it was through these experiences that I learned the value of resilience and determination. Today, as a college student, I am committed to using my education and experiences to raise awareness about poverty and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
• As someone who has personally experienced the challenges and difficulties of growing up in poverty, I am passionate about raising awareness and advocating for policies and programs that can help alleviate this social issue. My personal experiences have taught me the importance of community support and the need for greater access to resources such as education, healthcare, and affordable housing to break the cycle of poverty.
• The climate implications of ending global poverty.
• Poverty in America: trends and explanations.
• Understanding poverty: causes, effects and characteristics.
• Ending global poverty: why money isn’t enough?
• Understanding the relationship between poverty, inequality and growth: a review of existing evidence.

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100 Poverty Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Poverty is a global issue that affects millions of people around the world. From lack of access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare to limited opportunities for education and employment, poverty is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires attention and action.

If you are tasked with writing an essay on poverty, it can be challenging to come up with a compelling topic that will engage your readers. To help you get started, here are 100 poverty essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing:

• The impact of poverty on children's education
• The cycle of poverty and how to break it
• Poverty and its connection to mental health issues
• The role of government policies in alleviating poverty
• Poverty and its effects on healthcare access
• Poverty and its impact on crime rates
• The relationship between poverty and homelessness
• Poverty and food insecurity
• Poverty and its impact on rural communities
• The connection between poverty and environmental degradation
• Poverty and its effects on mental health
• The role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty
• Poverty and its impact on women and children
• The effects of poverty on access to clean water
• Poverty and its connection to drug addiction
• The impact of poverty on access to healthcare in developing countries
• Poverty and its effects on access to quality education
• The relationship between poverty and human trafficking
• Poverty and its impact on access to affordable housing
• The role of technology in addressing poverty
• Poverty and its effects on access to clean energy
• The connection between poverty and political instability
• Poverty and its impact on access to basic sanitation
• The role of microfinance in alleviating poverty
• Poverty and its effects on access to legal services
• The relationship between poverty and social inequality
• Poverty and its impact on access to transportation
• Poverty and its effects on access to job opportunities
• The connection between poverty and domestic violence
• Poverty and its impact on access to vocational training
• The role of entrepreneurship in addressing poverty
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable childcare
• Poverty and its connection to food deserts
• The impact of poverty on access to mental health services
• Poverty and its effects on access to clean air
• The relationship between poverty and child labor
• Poverty and its impact on access to quality healthcare
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable education
• The connection between poverty and human rights violations
• Poverty and its impact on access to safe drinking water
• The role of community organizations in addressing poverty
• Poverty and its effects on access to public transportation
• Poverty and its connection to income inequality
• The impact of poverty on access to legal representation
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable housing in urban areas
• The relationship between poverty and social exclusion
• Poverty and its impact on access to reproductive healthcare
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable childcare in rural areas
• The connection between poverty and environmental justice
• Poverty and its impact on access to quality education in developing countries
• The role of social entrepreneurship in addressing poverty
• Poverty and its effects on access to clean energy in developing countries
• Poverty and its connection to human trafficking in urban areas
• The impact of poverty on access to mental health services in rural communities
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable healthcare in developing countries
• The relationship between poverty and access to clean water in rural areas
• Poverty and its impact on access to vocational training in urban areas
• Poverty and its effects on access to job opportunities in rural communities
• The connection between poverty and access to legal services in developing countries
• Poverty and its impact on social inequality in urban areas
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable childcare in developing countries
• The role of technology in addressing poverty in rural communities
• Poverty and its connection to food insecurity in urban areas
• The impact of poverty on access to clean air in developing countries
• Poverty and its effects on access to public transportation in rural areas
• Poverty and its connection to income inequality in urban areas
• The relationship between poverty and social exclusion in developing countries
• Poverty and its impact on access to reproductive healthcare in rural communities
• Poverty and its effects on access to safe drinking water in urban areas
• The connection between poverty and environmental justice in developing countries
• Poverty and its impact on access to quality education in rural communities
• Poverty and its effects on access to legal representation in urban areas
• The role of community organizations in addressing poverty in developing countries
• Poverty and its connection to human rights violations in rural communities
• The impact of poverty on access to mental health services in urban areas
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable healthcare in rural communities
• The relationship between poverty and access to clean water in developing countries
• Poverty and its impact on access to vocational training in rural communities
• Poverty and its effects on access to job opportunities in developing countries
• The connection between poverty and access to legal services in urban areas
• Poverty and its impact on social inequality in rural communities
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable childcare in urban areas
• The role of technology in addressing poverty in developing countries
• Poverty and its connection to food insecurity in rural communities
• The impact of poverty on access to clean air in urban areas
• Poverty and its effects on access to public transportation in developing countries
• Poverty and its connection to income inequality in rural communities
• The relationship between poverty and social exclusion in urban areas
• Poverty and its impact on access to reproductive healthcare in developing countries
• Poverty and its effects on access to safe drinking water in rural communities
• The connection between poverty and environmental justice in urban areas
• Poverty and its effects on access to legal representation in rural communities
• The role of community organizations in addressing poverty in urban areas
• Poverty and its connection to human rights violations in developing countries
• Poverty and its effects on access to affordable healthcare in urban areas
• The relationship between poverty and access to clean water in rural communities
• Poverty and its impact on access to vocational training in developing countries
• Poverty and its effects on access to job opportunities in urban areas

These are just a few examples of the many topics you could explore in an essay about poverty. Whether you choose to focus on the impact of poverty on education, healthcare, or social inequality, there are endless possibilities for engaging and informative writing on this important issue. By selecting a topic that resonates with you and conducting thorough research, you can create a compelling and thought-provoking essay that sheds light on the complexities of poverty and inspires action towards positive change.

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Poverty Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on poverty essay.

“Poverty is the worst form of violence”. – Mahatma Gandhi.

How Poverty is Measured?

For measuring poverty United nations have devised two measures of poverty – Absolute & relative poverty.  Absolute poverty is used to measure poverty in developing countries like India. Relative poverty is used to measure poverty in developed countries like the USA. In absolute poverty, a line based on the minimum level of income has been created & is called a poverty line.  If per day income of a family is below this level, then it is poor or below the poverty line. If per day income of a family is above this level, then it is non-poor or above the poverty line. In India, the new poverty line is  Rs 32 in rural areas and Rs 47 in urban areas.

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Causes of Poverty

According to the Noble prize winner South African leader, Nelson Mandela – “Poverty is not natural, it is manmade”. The above statement is true as the causes of poverty are generally man-made. There are various causes of poverty but the most important is population. Rising population is putting the burden on the resources & budget of countries. Governments are finding difficult to provide food, shelter & employment to the rising population.

The other causes are- lack of education, war, natural disaster, lack of employment, lack of infrastructure, political instability, etc. For instance- lack of employment opportunities makes a person jobless & he is not able to earn enough to fulfill the basic necessities of his family & becomes poor. Lack of education compels a person for less paying jobs & it makes him poorer. Lack of infrastructure means there are no industries, banks, etc. in a country resulting in lack of employment opportunities. Natural disasters like flood, earthquake also contribute to poverty.

In some countries, especially African countries like Somalia, a long period of civil war has made poverty widespread. This is because all the resources & money is being spent in war instead of public welfare. Countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. are prone to natural disasters like cyclone, etc. These disasters occur every year causing poverty to rise.

Ill Effects of Poverty

Poverty affects the life of a poor family. A poor person is not able to take proper food & nutrition &his capacity to work reduces. Reduced capacity to work further reduces his income, making him poorer. Children from poor family never get proper schooling & proper nutrition. They have to work to support their family & this destroys their childhood. Some of them may also involve in crimes like theft, murder, robbery, etc. A poor person remains uneducated & is forced to live under unhygienic conditions in slums. There are no proper sanitation & drinking water facility in slums & he falls ill often &  his health deteriorates. A poor person generally dies an early death. So, all social evils are related to poverty.

Government Schemes to Remove Poverty

The government of India also took several measures to eradicate poverty from India. Some of them are – creating employment opportunities , controlling population, etc. In India, about 60% of the population is still dependent on agriculture for its livelihood. Government has taken certain measures to promote agriculture in India. The government constructed certain dams & canals in our country to provide easy availability of water for irrigation. Government has also taken steps for the cheap availability of seeds & farming equipment to promote agriculture. Government is also promoting farming of cash crops like cotton, instead of food crops. In cities, the government is promoting industrialization to create more jobs. Government has also opened  ‘Ration shops’. Other measures include providing free & compulsory education for children up to 14 years of age, scholarship to deserving students from a poor background, providing subsidized houses to poor people, etc.

Poverty is a social evil, we can also contribute to control it. For example- we can simply donate old clothes to poor people, we can also sponsor the education of a poor child or we can utilize our free time by teaching poor students. Remember before wasting food, somebody is still sleeping hungry.

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202 Poverty Essay Topics & Examples

Poverty is one of the most pressing global issues affecting millions of individuals. We want to share some intriguing poverty essay topics and research questions for you to choose the titles of your paper correctly. With the help of this collection, you can explore the intricate dimensions of poverty, its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. Have a look at our poverty topics to get a deeper understanding of poverty and its implications.

💸 TOP 10 Poverty Essay Topics

🏆 best poverty essay examples, 👍 catchy poverty research topics, 🧐 thought-provoking poverty topics, 🎓 interesting poverty essay topics, ❓ research questions about poverty.

• Poverty as a Social Problem
• Poverty: Causes and Solutions to Problem
• Poverty Effects on an Individual
• The Eliminating Poverty Strategies
• How Access to Clean Water Influences the Problem of Poverty
• Urbanization and Poverty in “Slumdog Millionaire” Film
• Degrading Consequences of Poverty in “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck
• Poverty and Theories of Its Causes Poverty in schools is a significant barrier to education that needs to be overcome to improve teaching and learning.
• Relationship Between Poverty and Crime The paper makes the case and discusses inequality rather than poverty being the prime reason for people committing crimes.
• Poverty Effects on Mental Health This paper examines the link between poverty and mental health, the literature findings on the topic, and proposes a potential solution.
• Vicious Circle of Poverty In this essay, the author describes the problem of poverty, its causes and ways of optimizing the economy and increasing production efficiency.
• Global Poverty and Nursing Intervention It is evident that poor health and poverty are closely linked. Community nurses who are conversant with the dynamics of the health of the poor can run successful health promotion initiatives.
• The Poverty as an Ethical Issue Looking at poverty as an ethical issue, we have to consider the fact that there are people who control resource distribution, which then leads to wealth or poverty in a community.
• Homelessness and Poverty in Developed and Developing Countries All states across the globe need to undertake all possible efforts to reduce the rates of poverty and homelessness.
• Correlation Between Poverty and Juvenile Delinquency Crime significantly impacts the standard of life across the world, a case study of the United States reveals that crime has grown into a very expensive venture.
• Poverty and Its Negative Impact on Society Poverty affects many people globally, experiencing poor living conditions, limited access to education, unemployment, poor infrastructure, malnutrition, and child labor.
• The Orthodox and Alternative Poverty Explanations Comparison Poverty has over the years become a worldwide subject of concern for economies. This essay will explore two theories- the orthodox and the alternative theories to poverty.
• The Government of Bangladesh: Corruption and Poverty This paper describes how constitutional, economic, educational, and legal reforms can eradicate absolute poverty and corruption in a developing country such as Bangladesh.
• Empowerment and Poverty Reduction The objective of this essay will be to highlight the health issues caused by poverty and the strategies needed to change the situation of poor people through empowerment.
• “What Is Poverty” by Dalrymple The purpose of this paper is to present Dalrymple point of view and analyze it by applying philosophical concepts.
• How Poverty Impacts on Life Chances, Experiences and Opportunities for Young People The paper specifically dwells on the social exclusion, class, and labeling theories to place youth poverty in its social context.
• Poverty and Inequality: Income and Wealth Inequality The Stanford Center of Poverty and Inequality does an in-depth job of finding causes and capturing statistics on poverty and inequality.
• Effects of Poverty on Education in the USA Colleges It is clear that poverty affects not only the living standards and lifestyle of people but also the college education in the United States of America.
• The Problem of Poverty in Art of Different Periods Artists have always been at the forefront of addressing social issues, by depicting them in their works and attempting to draw the attention of the public to sensitive topics.
• How Does Poverty Affect Crime Rates? On the basis of this research question, the study could be organized and conducted to prove the following hypothesis – when poverty increases, crime rates increase as well.
• Poverty from Functionalist and Rational Choice Perspectives Poverty is a persistent social phenomenon, which can be examined from both the functionalist and rational choice perspectives.
• Child’s Development and Education: Negative Effects of Poverty Some adverse effects of poverty on a child’s development and education are poor performance academically, stagnant physical development, and behavioral issues.
• Lessons Learned From the Poverty Simulation The main lesson learned from the poverty simulation is that poverty is far more serious than depicted in the media, which carelessly documents the numbers of poor people.
• Effects of Divorce and Poverty in Families In the event of a divorce children are tremendously affected and in most cases attention is not given to them the way it should.
• Poverty from Christian Perspective Christians perceive poverty differently than people without faith, noting the necessity for integrated support to help those in need.
• The Ideal Society: Social Stratification and Poverty The paper argues social classes exist because of the variations in socioeconomic capacities in the world; however, an ideal society can eliminate them.
• Poverty and Social Causation Hypothesis There are two identified approaches to poverty on cultural and individual levels as formulated by Turner and Lehning
• Poverty Relation With Immigrants Poverty-related immigration is usually caused by population pressures; as the natural land becomes less productive due to the increased technology and industrial production.
• Global Poverty and Human Development Poverty rates across the globe continue to be a major issue that could impair the progress of humanity as a whole.
• Poverty from a Sociological Standpoint Poverty is a complex phenomenon, in which many explicit and implicit factors are involved. Some individuals tend not to perceive this phenomenon as critical.
• Evaluating the “Expertness” of the Southern Law Poverty Center The Southern Law Poverty Center has garnered controversy for its list of so-called “hate groups” and how it spends its half-billion-dollar budget.
• The Analysis of Henry George’s “Crime of Poverty” Reviewing Henry George’s Crime of Poverty, which was written in 1885, in its historical context can shed light on socio-political developments within the country.
• Diana George’s Changing the Face of Poverty Book Diana George’s book, Changing the Face of Poverty, begins with a summary of several Thanksgiving commercials and catalogs.
• Poverty: Behavioral, Structural, Political Factors The research paper will primarily argue that poverty is a problem caused by a combination of behavioral, structural, and political systems.
• Love and Poverty in My Papa’s Waltz by Theodore Roethke The present paper includes a brief analysis of the poem ‘My Papa’s Waltz’ with a focus on imagery and figurative language.
• Social Policy and Welfare – Poverty and Deprivation Poverty is a kind of deprivation where in usual needs that define the quality of life such as food, clothing, shelter and water are not given to people.
• World Poverty as a Global Social Problem Poverty and the key methods helping to reduce it attract the attention of numerous researchers in different areas of expertise.
• Poverty in the “LaLee’s Kin” Documentary In this paper, the author will analyse poverty as a social problem in the Mississippi Delta. The issue will be analysed from the perspective of the documentary “LaLee’s Kin”.
• The Issue of World Poverty and Ways to Alleviate the Poverty in the World Poverty is defined as the state of deficiency of a certain amount of material wealth or money. World poverty figures have been rising since the second half of the 20th century.
• The Issue of Poverty in Savannah, Georgia The paper addresses a serious issue that still affects Savannah, Georgia, and it is poverty. This problem influences both individuals and society.
• Racial Discrimination and Poverty Racial discrimination and poverty have resulted in health disparities and low living standards among African Americans in the United States.
• Poverty in Ghana: Reasons and Solution Strategy The analysis provided in the paper revealed some internal and external factors that deter better economic and human development in Ghana.
• The Concept of Poverty This work is aimed at identifying the key aspects associated with poverty and its impact on the lives of people in different contexts.
• Utilitarianism: Poverty Reduction Through Charity This paper shows that poverty levels can be reduced if wealthy individuals donate a part of their earnings, using the main principles of the utilitarian theory.
• Poverty: Resilience and Intersectionality Theories This paper assesses the impact of poverty on adult life, looking at risk and protective factors and the impact of power and oppression on the experience of poverty.
• Economic Inequality and Its Relationship to Poverty This research paper will discuss the problem of economic inequality and show how this concept relates to poverty.
• Rutger Bregman’s Statement of Poverty The paper states that Bregman’s approach to poverty and the proposal of guaranteed regular income is more suitable for developing countries.
• Global Poverty and Education Economic theories like liberalization, deregulation, and privatization were developed to address global poverty.
• Wealth, Poverty, and Systems of Economic Class By examining wealth, poverty, and economic classes from the perspective of social justice, the socioeconomic inequalities persistent in society will become clear.
• Poverty: Causes and Reduction Measures Poverty is a global disaster and that a large percentage of the population has insufficient income or material possessions to satisfy their basic needs.
• Household Energy Use and Poverty In many developing countries, as well as among disadvantaged populations of the industrial states, the lack or absence of energy for household use is an everyday reality.
• National Conversation about Poverty The success of every society is determined by values, cultural practices, and tendencies that can address the hurdles affecting its people.
• Poverty in “On Dumpster Diving” by Lars Eighner Essay “On Dumpster Diving” by Lars Eighner evokes compassion and prompts individuals to think about social problems existing nowadays.
• Poverty in “Serving in Florida” and “Dumpster Diving” “Serving in Florida” by Barbara Ehrenreich describes the harsh reality of living in poverty while concentrating on the pragmatic dimension of the issue
• Poverty and Homelessness in Jackson, Mississippi This paper will review the statistics and information about poverty and homelessness in Jackson, MS. The community of Black Americans is suffering from poverty and homelessness.
• Bullying in Poverty and Child Development Context The aim of the present paper is to investigate how Bullying, as a factor associated with poverty, affects child development.
• Race, Poverty, and Incarceration in the United States The American justice system, in its current form, promotes disproportionally high incarceration rates among blacks and, to a lesser degree, Latinos from poor urban neighborhoods.
• Global Issues of World Poverty: Reasons and Solutions The term ‘world poverty’ refers to poverty around the world and is not only limited to developing and under-developed nations.
• Poverty, Faith, and Justice: ”Liberating God of Life” by Elizabeth Johnson “Liberating God of Life Context: Wretched Poverty” by Johnson constructs that the main goal of human beings is to combat structural violence toward the poor.
• Marriage and Divorce: Poverty Among Divorced Women This paper aims at looking into the possible connection between divorce and poverty among women given that many women are employed and are financially independent.
• Poverty and Homelessness in Canada Poverty and homelessness figure prominently in government policies and the aims of many social service organizations even in a country like Canada.
• Poverty: “$2.00 a Day” Book by Edin and Schaefer In their book “$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America,” Edin and Schaefer investigate problems that people who live in poverty face every day.
• Can Marriage End Poverty? Marriages to some degree alleviate poverty, but not all marriages can do so. Only marriages build on sound principles can achieve such a feat.
• How Poverty Affects Early Education? A number of people live in poor conditions. According to the researchers of the Department of Education in the United States, poverty influences academic performance in an adverse way.
• Human Trafficking and Poverty Issues in Modern Society The problem of human trafficking affects people all over the world, which defines the need for a comprehensive approach to this issue from the criminology perspective.
• Poverty, Its Social Context, and Solutions Understanding past and present poverty statistics is essential for developing effective policies to reduce the rate of poverty at the national level.
• Poverty in 1930s Europe and in the 21st Century US The true face of poverty may be found in rural portions of the United States’ South and Southwest regions, where living standards have plummeted, and industries have yet to begin.
• Christ’s Relationships with Wealth and Poverty This paper attempts to examine Christ’s relationships with wealth, money and poverty and provide an analysis of these relationships.
• The Impact of Poverty on Children and Minority Groups The problem of poverty, not only among children but also among adults, has plagued this planet for a long time.
• Poverty and Poor Health: Access to Healthcare Services Health disparities affecting ethnical and racial groups, as well as people with low income, operate through the social environments, access to healthcare services.
• Carl Hart’s Talk on Racism, Poverty, and Drugs In his TED Talk, Carl Hart, a professor of neuroscience at Columbia University who studies drug addiction, exposes a relationship between racism, poverty, and drugs.
• Poverty in Young and Middle Adulthood According to functionalism, poverty is a dysfunctional aspect of interrelated components, which is the result of improper structuring.
• Poverty Elimination in Perspective Poverty is a subject that has been on the world’s development agenda since time immemorial. This essay explores the possibilities of eliminating the poverty menace.
• The U.S. Education: Effect of Poverty Poverty effects on education would stretch to other aspects of life and this justifies that, poverty in United States not only affects social lifestyles but also college education.
• India’s Policies to Tackle Poverty and Inequality This paper aims to identify potential policies in infrastructure and education and develop new options to deal with poverty and inequality in India.
• Donald Trump’s Policies of Poverty and Human Rights One of the events related to an acute social issue of poverty in the United States involves the U.N. report on extreme U.S. poverty and human rights in the context of Donald Trump’s policies.
• Brazil’ Poverty and Inequality Poverty in Brazil has been unresponsive to growth due to the challenges of eliminating inequality. The poverty eradication programs reduced the poverty rate.
• Poverty: The Negative Effects on Children Poor children often do not have access to quality healthcare, so they are sicker and more likely to miss school. Poor children are less likely to have weather-appropriate clothes.
• The Issue of the Poverty in the USA The most sustainable technique for poverty elimination in the United States is ensuring equitable resource distribution, education, and healthcare access.
• Poverty and How This Problem Can Be Solved Poverty is one of the global social problems of our time, existing even in the countries of the first world despite the generally high standard of living of people.
• Poverty: An Interplay of Social and Economic Psychology The paper demonstrates an interplay of social and economic psychology to scrutinize the poverty that has given rise to a paycheck-to-paycheck nation.
• Refugees: Poverty, Hunger, Climate Change, and Violence Individuals struggling with poverty, hunger, climate change, and gender-based violence and persecution may consider fleeing to the United States.
• The Extent of Poverty in the United States The paper states that the issue of poverty in the USA is induced by a butterfly effect, starting with widespread discrimination and lack of support.
• Poverty in Puerto Rico and Eradication Measures Studying Puerto Rican poverty as a social problem is essential because it helps identify the causes, effects, and eradication measures in Puerto Rico and other nations.
• The City of Atlanta, Georgia: Poverty and Homelessness This project goal is to address several issues in the community of the City of Atlanta. Georgia. The primary concern is the high rate of poverty and homelessness in the city.
• Poverty and Homelessness Among African Americans Even though the U.S. is wealthy and prosperous by global measures, poverty has persisted in the area, with Blacks accounting for a larger share.
• Human Trafficking and Poverty Discussion This paper synthesize information on human trafficking and poverty by providing an annotated bibliography of relevant sources.
• Discussion of Poverty and Social Trends The advances and consequent demands on society grounded on social class and trends profoundly influence poverty levels.
• Life of Humanity: Inequality, Poverty, and Tolerance The paper concerns the times in which humanity, and especially the American people, live, not forgetting about inequality, poverty, and tolerance.
• Poverty in the US: “Down and Out in Paris and London” by Orwell The essay compares the era of George Orwell to the United States today based on the book “Down and Out in Paris and London” in terms of poverty.
• Is It Possible to Reduce Poverty in the United States? Reducing poverty in the United States is possible if such areas as education, employment, and health care are properly examined and improved for the public’s good.
• Poverty Among Seniors Age 65 and Above The social problem is the high poverty rate among older people aged 65 and above. Currently, there are millions of elderly who are living below the poverty line.
• Chronic Poverty and Disability in the UK The country exhibits absolute poverty and many other social issues associated with under-developed states. The issue is resolvable through policy changes.
• Social Issue of Poverty in America The paper states that poverty is not an individual’s fault but rather a direct result of social, economic, and political circumstances.
• Poverty, Housing, and Community Benefits The community will benefit from affordable housing and business places, creating job opportunities for the residents and mentoring and apprenticeship.
• The Uniqueness of the Extent of the Poverty Rate in America The United States ranked near the top regarding poverty and inequality, and compared to other developed countries, income and wealth disparity in the United States is high.
• Globalization and Poverty: Trade Openness and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria Globalization can be defined as the process of interdependence on the global culture, economy, and population. It is brought about by cross-border trade.
• Should People Be Ashamed of Poverty? People on welfare should not feel ashamed because the definition of poverty does not necessarily place them in the category of the poor.
• Inequality and Poverty in the United States One of the most common myths is that the United States (US) is a meritocracy, where anyone can succeed if they maintain industriousness.
• Poverty, Politics, and Profit as US Policy Issue Poverty remains one of the most intractable problems to deal with, both in the international community and in the United States.
• Christian Perspective on Poverty Several Christian interpretations have different ideas about poverty and wealth. This paper aims to discuss the Christian perspective on poverty.
• Poverty and Problematic Housing in California
• Global Poverty and Factors of Influence
• Poverty Causes and Solutions in Latin America
• Gary Haugen’s Speech on Violence and Poverty
• The Child Poverty Problem in Alabama
• Poverty Among Blacks in America
• Hard Questions About Living in Poverty or Slavery
• Solving the Problem of Poverty in Mendocino County
• Wealth and Poverty Sources in America
• “Promises and Poverty”: Starbucks Conceals Poverty and Deterioration of the Environment
• Global Poverty and Economic Globalization Relations
• Poverty Prevalence and Causes in the United States
• Policy Development to Overcome Child Poverty in the U.S.
• Global Poverty: Tendencies, Causes and Impacts
• Habitat for the Homeless: Poverty
• The Problem of Poverty Among Children
• African American Families in Poverty
• Effects of Poverty on Health Care in the US and Afghanistan
• Poverty Among Children from Immigrant Workers
• “8 Million Have Slipped Into Poverty Since May as Federal Aid Has Dried Up” by Jason DeParle
• Teenage Pregnancy After Exposure to Poverty: Causation and Communication
• Poverty and Covid-19 in Developing Countries
• Poverty and Mental Health Correlation
• Poverty in America: Socio-Economic Inequality
• Poverty and Its Effects Upon Special Populations
• Global Poverty and Education Correlation
• American Dream and Poverty in the United States
• Changing the Face of Poverty
• The Link Between Poverty and Criminal Behavior
• The Cost of Saving: The Problem of Poverty
• Sociological Issues About Social Class and Poverty, Race and Ethnicity, Gender
• Speech on Mother Teresa: Poverty and Interiority in Mother Teresa
• Federal Poverty, Welfare, and Unemployment Policies

🌶️ Hot Poverty Ideas to Write about

• Attitudes to Poverty: Singer’s Arguments
• Aid Agency Discussing Different Solutions to Poverty in Urban Areas
• Is Debt Cancellation the Answer to World Poverty?
• Reduction of Poverty in the Rural Areas Through ICT
• Trade Effect on Environmentalism and Poverty
• Gay and Poverty Marriage
• “Combating Poverty in Latin America” by Robyn Eversole
• Are MNCs Responsible for Poverty and Violence in Developing Nations?
• “Globalization, Poverty and Inequality” by Kaplinsky
• Poverty in America: Issue Analysis
• Economic Development in LDCs and Eradication Absolute Poverty
• Economic Development in LDCs and Sufficient Conditions to Eradicate Absolute Poverty
• Poverty in New York City and Media Representation
• Global Poverty, Inequality, and Mass Migration
• Poverty and Inequality Reducing Policies in China
• Poverty and Homelessness: Dimensions and Constructions
• Henry George’s “Progress and Poverty” Book
• Poverty Among the USA Citizens and Reduction Efforts
• Standards of the Ethical Code: Children and Poverty
• Grameen Banking System Alleviating Poverty
• Child Poverty Assessment in Canada
• Poverty and Welfare Policies in the United States
• Poverty in “The Bottom Billion” by Paul Collier
• Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Poverty
• Poverty and Violence During the Mexican Revolution
• Affordable Housing Programs in “Poverty in America”
• School System: Poverty and Education
• Poverty in “I Beat the Odds” by Oher and Yaegar
• Inequality in Australia: Poverty Rates and Globalism
• Immigrant Children and Poverty
• Problem of World Poverty
• Drug’s, Poverty’s and Beauty’s Effects on Health
• Can Authorization Reduce Poverty Among Undocumented Immigrants?
• Can Higher Employment Levels Bring Lower Poverty in the EU?
• Are Private Transfers Poverty and Inequality Reducing?
• Can Group-Based Credit Uphold Smallholder Farmers Productivity and Reduce Poverty in Africa?
• Can Anti-Poverty Programs Improve Family Functioning and Enhance Children’s Well-Being?
• Can Laziness Explain Poverty in America?
• Are Social Exclusion and Poverty Measures Interrelated?
• Can Increasing Smallholder Farm Size Broadly Reduce Rural Poverty in Zambia?
• Can Crop Purchase Programs Reduce Poverty and Improve Welfare in Rural Communities?
• Does Aid Availability Affect Effectiveness in Reducing Poverty?
• Can Employer Credit Checks Create Poverty Traps?
• Are the Poverty Effects of Trade Policies Invisible?
• Can Foreign Aid Reduce Poverty?
• Are Education Systems Modern as Well as Practical Enough to Eliminate Unemployment, and Thus Poverty?
• Can High-Inequality Developing Countries Escape Absolute Poverty?
• Are Inequality and Trade Liberalization Influences on Growth and Poverty?
• Can Globalisation Realistically Solve World Poverty?
• Are Urban Poverty and Undernutrition Growing?
• Can Big Push Interventions Take Small-Scale Farmers Out of Poverty?
• Can Civilian Disability Pensions Overcome the Poverty Issue?
• Are Poverty Rates Underestimated in China?
• Does Agriculture Help Poverty and Inequality Reduction?
• Can Agricultural Households Farm Their Way Out of Poverty?
• Are Income Poverty and Perceptions of Financial Difficulties Dynamically Interrelated?
• Are Bangladesh’s Recent Gains in Poverty Reduction Different From the Past?
• Can Cash Transfers Help Households Escape an Intergenerational Poverty Trap?
• Are Remittances Helping Lower Poverty and Inequality Levels in Latin America?
• Can Foreign Aid Reduce Income Inequality and Poverty?
• Can Child-Care Subsidies Reduce Poverty?
• Can Income Inequality Reduction Be Used as an Instrument for Poverty Reduction?

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These essay examples and topics on Poverty were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 8, 2024 .

Poverty Essay Examples and Topics

World hunger: cause and effect, what causes poverty in the world.

• Words: 1461

On How to Eradicate Homelessness

• Words: 1272

Poverty: A Sociological Imagination Perspective

• Words: 1123

Analysis of Theodore Dalrymple’s “What Is Poverty?”

Poverty in the world.

• Words: 1991

Max Weber’s Thoughts on Poverty

Poverty effects on child development and schooling.

• Words: 1940

Consumerism: Affecting Families Living in Poverty in the United States

• Words: 1960

Homelessness and its Solutions

Teenage pregnancy major causes and solutions.

• Words: 2181

Poverty Areas and Effects on Juvenile Delinquency

• Words: 1707

Relationship Between Crime Rates and Poverty

• Words: 1648

Homelessness as a Global Social Issue

The philippines’ unemployment, inequality, poverty.

• Words: 1952

How Globalization Influence Health and Lifestyle

The causes and impacts of homelessness.

• Words: 3326

Hardin and Singer’s Arguments about Helping the Poor

Poverty and its effects on childhood education.

• Words: 2174

Community Work: Helping People in Poverty

Homelessness in the us.

• Words: 1671

Poverty in Africa

Mumbai great problem: homelessness problem in cities.

• Words: 1629

The Singer Solution to World Poverty: Arguments Against

• Words: 1464

Why the Lottery is Useful to Society?

• Words: 1632

Homelessness as a Social Issue

• Words: 1420

Two Attitudes Towards Money

Cause and effect of poverty.

• Words: 1607

The Poor Kids Frontline Documentary Analysis

Analysis of a social problem: poverty.

• Words: 1694

“Life in a California Mission: Monterey in 1786” by La Pérouse, Jean-François de Galaup and Malcolm Margolin

• Words: 1422

Distribution of Resources in Society

Urban slum in the “city of god” (2002).

• Words: 1096

Poverty Through a Sociological Lens

• Words: 1112

Poverty and Global Food Crisis: Food and Agriculture Model

The myth of the culture of poverty, south africa and kenya development project.

• Words: 1185

Poverty as a Great Social Problem and Its Causes

What makes countries rich or poor.

• Words: 1696

“The Hidden Reason for Poverty…” by Haugen

Poverty policy recommendations, the impact of homelessness in california: economic and other reasons, the “only daughter” essay by sandra cisneros, poverty simulation reflection and its influence on life, reflective analysis of poverty.

• Words: 1473

Kids and Youth Homelessness: Facts and Statistics in the United States

• Words: 2316

Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development

Scholarly research on children at risk.

• Words: 1101

War on Poverty in US

Is poverty a choice or a generational curse, concept of poverty.

• Words: 1674

Eradication of Poverty in Philippines

• Words: 5050

Homelessness in Northern California

Food insecurity in the us: the new face of hunger, children in poverty in kampong ayer, brunei.

• Words: 6112

Poverty and Diseases

Poverty, government and unequal distribution of wealth in philippines.

• Words: 1602

Social Inequality in the United States

Financial support for the poor and alternatives, poverty, inequality and social policy understanding, inequality and poverty relationship, the rise of poverty in the us.

• Words: 2263

We Can Stop Poverty in Ghana Today

Peter singer in the solution to world hunger.

• Words: 1105

Born Poor and Smart

• Words: 1010

Homeless Veterans in the United States

• Words: 1038

Inequality: Causes and Consequences

• Words: 1626

Poverty in the Bronx: Negative Effects of Poverty

• Words: 1742

Stereotypes About Poverty in the Maid Book by Land

Global poverty: the ethical dilemma, wealth inequality: ethical or unethical.

• Words: 1967

“A School for My Village” by Jackson and Linville

• Words: 1778

Poor Housing and Its Impact on Public Health

Poverty in orwell’s “down and out in paris and london”.

• Words: 1700

Homelessness in the United States

• Words: 1139

Discussion: Poverty in America

• Words: 1847

Bergenfield’s Homelessness Challenge and Response

• Words: 1734

Tackling Child Poverty: A Comprehensive Approach

Literacy as a way to overcome poverty, unveiling the complex web of global poverty, aspects of the poverty simulation experience, the difficulties low-wage workers encounter, homelessness and its causes in the united states, the intertwining of poverty and policy, how poverty contributes to poor heath, reading and teaching students in poverty, the “twenty years at hull-house” book by addams, global poverty project: a beacon of hope in the fight against extreme poverty, the causes of an increase in poverty in atlanta, georgia.

• Words: 1115

Thistle Farms: Help for Women Who Are Affected by Poverty

“how war fuels poverty” article by mccarthy, poverty: the american challenge, peter singer’s enduring argument for global philanthropy, the poverty issue from a sociological perspective.

• Words: 2268

Dharker’s Postcards From God Book and Carter’s Family Photograph

Anti-poverty programs from the federal government, homeless as at-risk population.

• Words: 1999

Rural Development, Economic Inequality and Poverty

• Words: 2260

Global Poverty: Ways of Combating

• Words: 1179

Poverty and Homelessness as a Global Social Problem

• Words: 1128

Poverty: Aspects of Needs Assessment

What is poverty in the united states, “everyone is on welfare”by abramovitz, poverty: the main causes and factors, how to overcome poverty and discrimination, poverty and homelessness in american society, income and wealth inequality in canada.

• Words: 1366

Connection of Poverty and Education

• Words: 1223

The Opportunity for All Program: Poverty Reduction

Early childhood financial support and poverty, the homelessness issue in canada, discussion: poverty and healthcare.

• Words: 1397

Explosive Growth of Poverty in America

The problems of poverty and hunger, poverty in rural and urban areas, reducing poverty in the north miami beach community, response to swift’s “a modest proposal”, resource availability for low-income families in new york, poverty: subsidizing programs, urbanization and technological development in third-world countries.

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Homelessness — Introduction to Poverty: Causes, Effects, and Management

Introduction to Poverty: Causes, Effects, and Management

• Categories: Homelessness Hunger Poverty in America

About this sample

Words: 2156 |

11 min read

Published: May 17, 2022

Words: 2156 | Pages: 5 | 11 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, global trends of poverty, causes of poverty, effects/impacts of poverty on the family, management and control, poverty in europe, poverty in africa, poverty in kenya, lack/poor education, feminization, low economic growth performance, divorce/separation, stress/depression, emotional and physical wellbeing of the children, the governments should come up with initiatives to alleviate poverty, educating the families and equipping them with technical skills.

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73 Essay Hook Examples

An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay that are used to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into your discussion.

It is called a hook because it “grabs” the reader and doesn’t let them go! It should have something in there that makes the reader feel curious and intrigued, compelling them to continue reading.

Techniques for Good Essay Hooks

Here are a few techniques that you can use to write a good essay hook:

• Use a Quotation : Sometimes, a relevant quotation from a well-known author or expert can help establish the context or theme of your essay. Next time you’re conducting research for an essay, keep an eye out for a really compelling quote that you could use as your hook for that essay.
• Start with a Statement that is Surprising or Unusual: A surprising or unusually statement will draw a reader in, making them want to know more about that topic. It’s good if the statement contradicts common knowledge or reveals an insight about your topic that isn’t immediately obvious. These can be particularly good for argumentative essays where you’re putting forward a controversial or compelling argument as your thesis statement .
• Tell a Brief Anecdote : A short, interesting story related to your topic can personaize the story, making it more than just a dry essay, and turning it into a compelling narrative that’s worth reading.
• Use Statistics or Facts: Interesting, surprising, or shocking facts or statistics work similarly to surprising statements: they make us want to know more about a topic. Statistics and facts in your introductions are particularly useful for analytical, expository , and argumentative essays.
• Start with a Question: Questions that make the reader think deeply about an issue, or pose a question that the reader themselves has considered, can be really effecitve. But remember, questions tend to be better for informal and personal essays, and are generally not allowed in formal argumentative essays. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to use questions in your essays, check with your teacher first.

Below, I’ll present some examples of hooks that you could use as inspiration when writing your own essay hook.

Essay Hook Examples

These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that’s perfect for your own essay.

1. For an Essay About Yourself

An essay about yourself can be personal, use “I” statements, and include memories or thoughts that are deeply personal to you.

• Question: “Have you ever met someone who could turn even the most mundane events into a thrilling adventure? Let me introduce myself.”
• Anecdote: “The smell of freshly baked cookies always takes me back to the day when I accidentally started a baking business at the age of nine.”
• Intriguing Statement: “I’ve always believed that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve read a book upside down, danced in the rain, or taught a parrot to say ‘I love pizza.'”
• Quotation: “As Mark Twain once said, ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’ That’s a philosophy I’ve embraced in every aspect of my life.”
• Humorous Statement: “I’m a self-proclaimed ‘professional chocolate tester’ – a title that’s not only delicious but also requires extreme dedication.”
• Start with your Mission Statement : “My life motto is simple but powerful: be the person who decided to go for it.
• Fact or Statistic: “According to a study, people who speak more than one language tend to be better at multitasking . As a polyglot, I certainly live up to that statistic.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life were a book, it would be a blend of an adventurous novel, a suspense thriller, and a pinch of romantic comedy.”
• Personal Revelation: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. It’s an unusual skill, but one that has shaped my life in many ways.”
• Narrative: “The day everything changed for me was an ordinary Tuesday. Little did I know, a single conversation would lead me to discover my true passion.”

2. For a Reflective Essay

A reflective essay often explores personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. So, your hooks for reflective essays can usually be more personal, intriguing, and engaging than other types of essays. Here are some examples for inspiration:

• Question: “Have you ever felt as though a single moment could change your entire life? This essay is going to explore that moment for me.”
• Anecdote: “I was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking at the vast emptiness, and for the first time, I truly understood the word ‘perspective’.”
• Bold Statement: “There is a part of me that is still trapped in that room, on that rainy afternoon, holding the letter that would change everything.”
• Personal Revelation: “The first time I truly felt a sense of belonging wasn’t in a crowded room full of friends, but in the quiet solitude of a forest.”
• Intriguing Statement: “In my life, silence has been a teacher more profound than any words could ever be.”
• Quotation: “Einstein once said, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ Now, looking back, I realize how profound that statement truly is.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life is a tapestry, then that summer was the vibrant thread that changed the entire pattern.”
• Narrative: “As the train pulled out of the station, I realized I wasn’t just leaving my hometown, I was leaving my old self behind.”
• Philosophical Statement: “In the theater of life, we are both the actor and the audience, playing our part and watching ourselves simultaneously.”
• Emotive Statement: “There is a sort of sweet sorrow in remembering, a joy tinged with a hint of sadness, like the last notes of a beautiful song.”

For an Argumentative Essay

Essay hooks for argumentative essays are often the hardest. This type of essay tends to require the most formal type of academic writing, meaning your hook shouldn’t use first person, and should be more based on fact and objectivity, often at the expense of creativity. Here are some examples.

• Quotation: “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.’ If Jefferson were alive today, he would likely feel that this meed for a well-informed citizenry is falling well short of where he would aspire.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite what romantic films may portray, love at first sight is merely a myth perpetuated by society. This essay will prosecute the argument that love at first sight is a myth.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading psychological disability worldwide. Yet, mental health is still stigmatized and often overlooked. This essay will argue that depression should be seen as a health issue, and stigmatization of depression causes serious harm to society.”
• Comparison: “Much like an unchecked infection, climate change, if left ignored, can spread far beyond what it is today, causing long-term economic and social problems that may even threaten the longevity of humanity itself.”
• Contradiction : “While we live in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, millions around the world are still denied basic internet access.”
• Bold Declaration: “Animal testing is not only ethically unacceptable, but it also undermines the progress of medical research.”
• Challenging Belief: “Despite popular belief, the automation of jobs is not a threat but an opportunity for society to evolve.”
• Quotation: “George Orwell wrote in ‘1984’, ‘Big Brother is Watching You.’ In our modern society, with the advancement of technology, this is becoming more of a reality than fiction.”
• Intriguing Statement: “Despite countless diet fads and fitness trends, obesity rates continue to rise. This argumentative essay will argue that this is because medical practitioners’ approaches to health and weight loss are fundamentally flawed.”
• Statistical Fact: “Research reveals that over 90% of the world’s plastic waste is not recycled. This alarming figure calls for a drastic change in social attitudes towards consumption and waste management.”
• Challenging Assumption: “Society often assumes that progress and growth are intrinsically good, but this is not always the case in the realm of economic development.”
• Contradiction: “Western society upholds the value of freedom, yet every day, members of society cede personal liberties in the name of convenience and security.”
• Analogy: “Like an overplayed song, when a news story is repeated too often, it loses its impact. In the era of digital media, society is becoming desensitized to critical issues.”
• Relevant Anecdote: “In a village in India, the arrival of a single computer transformed the lives of the residents. This small anecdote underscores the importance of digital inclusion in today’s world.”
• Call to Rethink: “In a world where success is often equated with financial wealth, it is time for society to reconsidered what truly constitutes a successful life.”

For a Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay examines two issues, looking at both the similarities and differences between them. A good hook for a compare and contrast essay will immediately signal to the reader the subjects that are being compared and why they’re being compared. Here are sine ideas for hooks for a compare and contrast essay:

• Quotation: “As Charles Dickens wrote in his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. This could equally apply to the contrasting dynamics of urban and rural living.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite popular belief, cats and dogs have more in common than society tends to think.”
• Comparison: “Comparing being an only child to growing up with siblings is like contrasting a solo performance with an orchestral symphony.”
• Contradiction: “While many view classic literature and contemporary fiction as worlds apart, they are more akin to two sides of the same coin.”
• Bold Declaration: “Android and iPhone may compete in the same market, but their philosophies could not be more different.”
• Statistical Fact: “Statistics show that children who grow up reading books tend to perform better academically than those who do not. But, the jury is out on how reading traditional books compares to reading e-books on screens.”
• Quotation: “As Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote, ‘Sooner or later, we all sit down to a banquet of consequences.’ This statement can be used to frame a comparison between short-term and long-term thinking.”
• Provocative Statement: “Democracy and dictatorship are often seen as polar opposites, but are they are not as different as they seem.”
• Comparison: “Climate change and plastic pollution are two major environmental issues, yet they demand different approaches and solutions.”
• Contradiction: “While traditional classrooms and online learning are seen as separate modes of education, they can often blend into a cohesive learning experience.”
• Bold Declaration: “Though both based on merit, the structures of capitalism and socialism lead to vastly different societal outcomes.”
• Imagery: “The painting styles of Van Gogh and Monet can be contrasted as a stormy sea versus a tranquil pond.”
• Historical Reference: “The philosophies of the Cold War-era – capitalism and communism – provide a lens to contrast economic systems.”
• Literary Comparison: “The dystopian societies portrayed in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ serve as contrasting visions of the future.”
• Philosophical Question: “Individualism and collectivism shape societies in distinct ways, but neither one can truly exist without the other.”

See Here for my Guide on Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

For a Psychology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a psychology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in the human mind, behavior, or the specific psychology topic you’re discussing. Here are some stimulating hooks for a psychology essay:

• Rhetorical Question: “How much control do we truly have over our own actions?”
• Quotation: “Sigmund Freud once said, ‘Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.’ This essay will explore whether this is universally true.”
• Provocative Statement: “Contrary to popular belief, ‘venting out’ anger might actually be fueling the fire of fury.”
• Comparison: “Just as an iceberg reveals only a fraction of its bulk above water, conscious minds may only be a small piece of who humans truly are.”
• Contradiction: “While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that individuals who are more intelligent are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues.”
• Bold Declaration: “Despite advances in technology, understanding the human brain remains one of the final frontiers in science.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. Yet, mental health continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma.”

For a Sociology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a sociology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in social behaviors, cultural phenomena, or the specific sociology topic you’re discussing. Here are ideas for hooks for a sociology essay:

• Quotation: “As Karl Marx once noted, ‘Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex.’ Sadly, society has not made much progress in gender equality.”
• Provocative Statement: “Social media, initially created to connect people, is ironically leading society into an era of unprecedented isolation.”
• Comparison: “Comparing society to a theater, where each individual plays a role, it is possible to start to see patterns and scripts embedded in daily interactions.”
• Contradiction: “While people often believe that technology is bringing society closer together, evidence suggests that it’s actually driving a wedge between people, creating ‘digital divides’.”
• Bold Declaration: “Human societies are constructed on deeply ingrained systems of inequality, often invisible to those benefiting from them.”
• Statistical Fact: “A recent study found that women still earn only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. This stark wage gap raises questions about equality in the workforce.”

For a College Application Essay

A college essay is a personal statement where you can showcase who you are beyond your grades and resume. It’s your chance to tell your unique story. Here are ten potential hooks for a college essay:

• Anecdote: “At the age of seven, with a wooden spoon as my baton, I confidently conducted an orchestra of pots and pans in my grandmother’s kitchen.”
• Provocative Statement: “I believe that life is like a game of chess. The king might be the most important piece, but it’s the pawns that can change the entire course of the game.”
• Personal Revelation: “It wasn’t until I was lost in a foreign city, armed with nothing but a map in a language I didn’t understand, that I truly discovered my love for adventure.”
• Intriguing Question: “Have you ever wondered how it feels to be part of two completely different cultures, yet wholly belong to neither?”
• Bold Declaration: “Breaking a bone can be a painful experience. Breaking stereotypes, however, is an entirely different kind of challenge.”
• Unusual Fact: “I can recite the periodic table backwards while juggling three tennis balls. It’s a strange talent, but it’s a perfect metaphor for how I tackle challenges.”
• Quotation: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ This quote has defined my approach to learning.”
• Narrative: “It was a cold winter’s day when I first discovered the magic of turning a blank page into a world full of characters, stories, and ideas.”
• Metaphor: “Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, my high school years have been a period of profound metamorphosis.”
• Humorous Statement: “Being the youngest of five siblings, I quickly learned that the best way to be heard was to become the family’s unofficial lawyer.”

Conclusion: The Qualities of a Good Essay Hook

As I wrap up this article, I want to share a few last tips on qualities that a good essay hook should have. Keep these tips in mind when writing your essay hook and using the above essay hook examples:

First, relevance . A good hook should be directly relevant to the topic or theme of your essay. The hook should provide a preview of what’s to come without giving too much away.

Second, Intrigue. A great hook should make the reader want to continue reading. It should create a question in the reader’s mind or present a fascinating idea that they want to know more about.

Third, uniqueness. An effective hook should be original and unique. It should stand out from the many other essays that the reader might be going through.

Fourth, clarity. Even though a hook should be captivating and original, it should also be clear and easy to understand. Avoid complex sentences and jargon that might confuse the reader.

Fifth, genre conventions. Too often, my students try to be so creative in their essay hooks that they forget genre conventions . The more formal an essay, the harder it is to write the hook. My general approach is to focus on statistics and facts, and avoid rhetorical questions , with more formal essay hooks.

Keep in mind that you should run your essay hook by your teacher by showing them your first draft before you submit your essay for grading. This will help you to make sure it follows genre conventions and is well-written.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Self-Actualization Examples (Maslow's Hierarchy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Forest Schools Philosophy & Curriculum, Explained!
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Montessori's 4 Planes of Development, Explained!
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Montessori vs Reggio Emilia vs Steiner-Waldorf vs Froebel

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230 Research Topics on Poverty: Argumentative, Solutions, Cause & Effect Topics about Poverty

Extreme poverty has been a hot-button issue for ages. Many of us expected the 21st century to become the era when the problem of drastic income inequality would be resolved. But the COVID-19 pandemic threw these initiatives back . Poverty has become as widespread as a hundred years before. Will we ever make the Earth a prosperous place for all?

This article features 230 poverty essay topics. They tackle every social, economic, psychological, and political aspect of this controversial issue. For your convenience, we grouped them according to the paper genre. Discrimination and limited access to education, malnutrition, health problems, mental disorders, and hunger are only some of the spheres you can debate.

🔝 Top 15 Poverty Essay Topics

• 📝 Topics & Issues to Cover in a Paper

🪙 Research Topics on Poverty

• 🗣️ Argumentative Essay Topics
• ➡️ Cause & Effect Essay Topics on Poverty

💡 Poverty Solutions Essay Topics

🧸 child poverty essay topics, 🌎 poverty in america essay topics, 🔗 references.

• Ending poverty in all its forms around the globe is our goal No.1.
• What does it mean to be poor?
• The pandemic can teach us a new lesson in fighting poverty worldwide.
• Child poverty essay: Lifelong ramifications.
• How does poverty measurement impact public opinion?
• Why does Africa remain to be the least developed country?
• Do we oversimplify when dividing people into wealthy and poor?
• Why should economics study the phenomenon of poverty?
• Poverty in America: An essay on its dynamics.
• How is deprivation linked to crime levels?
• Does overpopulation cause poverty?
• It is a myth that wealthy people are often obese.
• Fighting poverty is what all of us do throughout our lives.
• Can free education for all be a measure to eliminate poverty?
• Globalization will end poverty in developing countries.

📝 Topics & Issues to Cover in a Paper

Some poverty essay topics are too broad to prepare compelling argumentation. We have explored these directions to guide your research.

Defining Poverty

When the financial resources in a community are lacking, the basic needs of some people are not met. These circumstances do not allow poor people to enjoy an acceptable standard of life. They may not have a roof above their heads or may not be able to afford clothes and food. But the lack of income also causes many psychological and sociological consequences. Children of the poor have a higher probability of physical and mental health issues than their peers. They are also more likely to abuse substances and have problems with the law.

Measuring Poverty

The US Bureau of Census is responsible for calculating poverty rates in the US. They usually exclude anyone living in a mental health facility, prison, military quarters, and school dormitories. They do not count children under 15 years, either.

The World Bank established a new goal to eliminate extreme poverty in one generation starting in 2013. By 2030, They planned to decrease the number of the world’s population who live on $1.90 per day down to 3%. Measuring poverty shows which strategies work and which should be put aside. It also guides emerging countries in their development strategies to adapt to the rapidly changing world economy.

Poverty Facts & Statistics

• In 2018, four out of five individuals below the poverty line resided in rural areas.
• In 2020, extreme poverty rates rose for the first time over the last two decades. It happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, military conflicts, and climate change.
• 97 million people crossed the poverty line because of the pandemic.
• Children make up 50% of the poor global population.
• 70% of the global poor above 15 have no or only primary school education.
• More than 40 % of the poor live in countries affected by conflict and violence. Over the next decade, the number is predicted to peak at 67%. Meanwhile, only 10% of the world’s population lives in such countries.

What Can Be Done About Poverty?

• At the moment, money is the best measure to reduce poverty . Investing in the markets of emerging countries could spur their economic growth. However, investors are often unwilling to do so, as these nations often struggle to sustain economic growth.
• The second way of problem-solving is education. It gives safety and support to children from low-income families (as they often suffer from domestic violence or sexual abuse). It also increases their future employment opportunities. But most importantly, it creates a culture of learning in families, and the next generations will benefit from it.
• The origin of poverty and the divergence of concepts depending on the context.
• Comparison of poverty concepts by UN, the World Bank and the EU.
• The difference between the definition of poverty in the EU and other world organizations.
• The difference between the UN definition of poverty and other world organizations.
• The World Bank’s definition of poverty differs from other world organizations.
• Aspects affecting the measurement of poverty.
• How Poverty Changes.
• When poverty is recognized as global?
• General level of development of the state affects the spread of poverty.
• Is poverty just an economic factor?
• When is a person recognized as poor determined?
• Poverty at the individual, local, national and global levels.
• Poverty hinders cognitive function.
• Poor people are often more susceptible to severe illness.
• Economic stability is paramount for a poor household.
• The rising cost of living makes poor people less able to afford things.
• Rising costs can push into poverty and others into poverty.
• Stress factors caused by poverty.
• Children living in poverty have lower cognitive thinking.
• Education in the US educational system is focused on students from more affluent families.
• Conditions in schools in poor areas prevent children from learning in a safe environment.
• High crime rate among children with low resources.
• Children from low-income families have higher rates of teenage pregnancy.
• Relationship of gender to poverty or location.
• In poorer countries, girls have lower completion rates.
• Most often, children end up in orphanages because of family poverty.
• Cultural factors can negatively affect productivity and perpetuate poverty in a state.
• Women are the group suffering from the highest levels of poverty after children.
• People living in poverty have an increased chance of getting a disability.
• Many women become victims of human trafficking.
• The most common form of survival is prostitution due to economic desperation.
• As poverty decreases, fewer incidents of violence will occur.
• Poverty Reduction Strategies.
• The improvement of cities and states can affect the reduction of the level of poverty of the population.
• Access to basic human needs is a way to fight poverty.
• Effect of deworming children on improving education among poor children.
• The fight against corruption is the same as the fight against poverty.
• Debt relief for countries can reduce countries poverty levels.
• Emigration from developing countries perpetuates poverty in them.
• Access to contraceptives directly impacts the poverty of the population and the country’s economy.
• Basic income is more effective in fighting poverty than the minimum wage and unemployment benefits.
• Reducing bureaucracy and increasing economic freedom would significantly reduce poverty.
• Greater access to markets brings more income to the poor.
• Road infrastructure directly affects poverty.
• Poverty causes environmental degradation.
• Climate change can hinder poverty reduction.
• Is spirituality the engine of poverty?
• Voluntary poverty.
• Climate change and poverty.
• Increased mortality due to poverty.
• The socio-economic gap between the poor and the rich.
• Is poverty linked to nationality?
• Religion and poverty.
• The influence of geographical location on the spread of poverty.
• Anti-poverty organizations and their strategies.
• Long-term consequences of poverty.
• Discrimination against the poor.
• Short-term and long-term strategies in the fight against poverty.
• Is it possible to get out of poverty, and what affects it?
• Your actions against poverty.
• Maintenance by the state of an adequate standard of living.
• The emergence of poverty as a social phenomenon.
• Is globalization exacerbating poverty?
• Social isolation of the population.
• Is poverty a choice?
• Health care for the poor.
• Human rights against poverty.
• Global poverty.
• Does moral poverty exist?
• Children’s perception of poverty.
• Poverty makes children grow up earlier.
• Digitalization help fight poverty.
• Does migration perpetuate poverty or fight it?
• Poor women are expected to marry early.
• Family planning prevents the spread of poverty.
• Development of poverty.
• Your understanding of poverty.
• Are there countries where there is no poverty?
• Political programs to combat poverty.
• What factors can exacerbate poverty problems?
• Poverty as a result of a natural disaster.
• Sustainable Development Goals: “No Poverty”.
• Dynamics of poverty levels.
• Are the poor themselves to blame for poverty?
• Ideological representations of poverty.
• Poverty is a result of discrimination.
• Do shelters for the poor help in the fight against poverty?
• Does a non-working family equal a poor family?
• Impact of the pandemic on the spread of poverty.
• Lack of medical care for the poor.

🗣️ Argumentative Essay Topics on Poverty

• Differences in prices between countries to adjust for purchasing power.
• What is extreme poverty?
• Measuring poverty: the monetary value of human consumption.
• The difficulty of measuring global poverty: difference between countries.
• International poverty line.
• Is poverty linked only to wealth?
• Industrialization and the fight against poverty: victory or even greater gap.
• Population growth leads to more poor people in the world.
• Growth of the global middle class and reduction of extreme poverty.
• Poverty forecast in 2030.
• Extreme poverty cannot be ended.
• The concentration of poverty in Africa.
• Countries that have reduced poverty: India, China, Ethiopia, Ghana.
• A growing global middle class and the stagnation of the world’s poorest people.
• Has modernity not reached the poor countries?
• The expansion of social protection policy helps to get rid of extreme poverty.
• Progress in the fight against all poverty lines.
• Importance of poverty reduction in developed countries.
• The demographic factor in the spread of poverty.
• Adjusting to Rising Costs of Living: Increasing or Reducing Poverty?
• Change in the international poverty line over time.
• Is it possible to eradicate extreme poverty?
• Multidimensional poverty: the diverse nature of poverty.
• Africa is the continent with the poorest people.
• Are there no poor people in rich countries?

➡️ Cause & Effect Essay Topics on Poverty

• The economic crisis in a country leads to an increase in poverty.
• Consequences of hunger for children and youth.
• The poverty of children is only the concern of parents.
• Most of the poor are from incomplete families.
• Historical barriers in the fight against poverty.
• Racial and ethnic gaps in poverty rates.
• Physical and mental well-being of poor children.
• Access to health care for poor families.
• Inadequate education exacerbates the vicious cycle of poverty.
• Children living in poverty are at greater risk for behavioral and emotional problems.
• Poverty breeds violent behavior in children.
• Poverty contributes to the spread of hard-to-treat diseases.
• Mortality of children in poor families.
• Protecting children from poor families.
• The prevalence of poverty among children in developed countries.
• Depression and poverty: children suffer from mental illnesses like adults.
• Family conflict as a cause of child homelessness.
• Homelessness harms children who are more prone to mental and physical illness.
• How does the labor market affect child poverty?
• Early pregnancy can lead to homelessness.
• Discrimination against LGBT people increases the level of homelessness among young people.
• Poverty contributes to the spread of STIs.
• Violent crime among the poor.
• Are violence and poverty inseparable?
• Substance abuse among children from poor families.
• What are the poverty solutions to stop hunger in the US?
• Reducing poverty through education – the US providing global solutions for emerging nations.
• How education helps break the cycle of poverty – evidence from the US communities.
• Providing water for communities overarched by bottled water producers – how does this help reduce poverty?
• Water resources and poverty among Native Americans – determining points of intersection.
• Clean water as a source of health and prosperity – how to preserve the national water resources of the United States?
• Basic health care – how free services affect global poverty.
• Why should basic medical care become a human right to overcome poverty?
• How do health insurance programs reduce poverty in the United States?
• Weaknesses in US health insurance programs: solutions for poverty alleviation.
• Empowering women to stop the poverty loops – solutions through micro-financing.
• Empowering women to reduce poverty – solutions for communities in the US.
• Global poverty and women’s power: three stories of entrepreneurship.
• How hunger and poverty affect the mental development of children – the need for immediate global solutions.
• Ensuring adequate nutrition for children and mothers to end poverty – lessons from Hawaii and Haiti.
• How can the American economy overcome poverty and hunger through macroeconomic solutions?
• The activities of international environmental organizations that led to poverty alleviation: the brightest victories.
• Fighting global warming to end poverty – how does planting trees improve living standards?
• Green energy and poverty alleviation – US macroeconomic solutions.
• Combating cycles of violence to overcome poverty – the US experience.
• Domestic violence as a factor in the growth of populations’ poverty.
• Violence against women – hotlines and other ways to help break cycles of poverty.
• Economic methods of overcoming poverty – international experience.
• Business and CSR practices as a means of influence in societies with low standards of living.
• Federal financing to reduce poverty – why is this a bad solution?
• Overcoming child homelessness as a way to end child poverty.
• Protecting orphans and securing their future through free education programs.
• Adoption programs as a way to combat child poverty among orphans.
• Work with refugees and assessment of child poverty in Europe and the US.
• Migrant children and stigmatization – how social institutions can avoid offensive meanings.
• Migration and the provision of education services – challenges related to overcoming child poverty.
• The health sector and overcoming child poverty: five important practices.
• Child nutrition in schools to overcome child poverty – stability and ways of implementing support programs.
• Child marriage and child poverty – how the mother’s age affects the well-being of children.
• Provision of education services for women as a way to overcome child poverty.
• Should free medicine for children become a right, not a privilege?
• How does the civilized world fight against child poverty that results from environmental disasters?
• Overcoming the consequences of global warming – programs of child poverty elimination.
• Overcoming child poverty with the involvement of parents – what programs exist in the US?
• Child support grants: three ways to overcome mistrust.
• Why does child poverty reduce the civilizational development of society?
• What are the five main consequences of child poverty?
• How does child poverty affect the economic development of countries?
• What is child poverty: studying the main determinants.
• Child poverty among the better-off sections of the US society – how do misleading concepts lead to social problems?
• Education of civilizational, moral, and cultural values to overcome child poverty – three ways of development.
• The ethical side of the issue of child poverty – why is society obliged to help?
• How preservation of cultural values leads to child poverty – lessons from national minorities.
• Why state control over culture and consciousness can lead to child poverty – the examples of the People’s Republic of China and North Korea.
• Propaganda as a way to reduce child poverty – the effectiveness of the approach.
• Poverty and national minorities – statistics and future trends.
• Overcoming poverty through healthcare services: interaction with vulnerable groups.
• Poverty and homelessness as consequences of unsuccessful political vectors – the American experience.
• Unemployment and poverty among non-citizens – ways to overcome the crisis.
• How has the pandemic deepened the crisis of poverty and unemployment in the US?
• Poverty and professions with the least demand on the labor market in the US: gaps and new opportunities.
• Democrats and Republicans – differences in approaches to overcoming poverty.
• Five successful democratic (republican) initiatives to overcome poverty.
• Conservatives in power and overcoming poverty – successes and failures.
• The top three policies of Donald Trump that led to the deepening of the poverty crisis in the US.
• Overcoming poverty in the US – the story of three presidencies (to choose from).
• Geographical prerequisites of regional poverty in the US – historical experience.
• Poverty crisis in the post-lockdown period – new ways of social development.
• Regional poverty in the US – solutions for selected regions.
• Is there a link between defense capability and poverty in the US?
• How science can help overcome poverty – the experience of American farmers in the mid-20th century.
• How big business harms the economy – the top 3 negative consequences of the work of unconscious producers that deepen the poverty crisis.
• How unconscious consumption of Chinese goods harms the US economy and deepens the poverty crisis.
• How can the United States overcome the unemployment crisis by stimulating small and medium-sized businesses?
• What inhumane manufacturing practices of the mid-to-late 19th century continue to exacerbate the poverty crisis in the United States?
• How are new technologies deepening the crisis of poverty and unemployment in the US?
• Why does the consumer society accelerate the decline of the economy and lead to poverty in the US?
• How can social science education programs help address the poverty crisis in the US?
• Three bright health care initiatives that help fight poverty in the US.
• Social determinants of poverty – how does the individual’s environment add to the creation of the poverty loop?
• Poverty Overview | The World Bank
• Poverty in the United States: 2021 | US Census Bureau
• Rural Poverty & Well-Being | US Department of Agriculture
• Child Poverty | UNICEF
• How Is Poverty Measured? | Institute for Research on Poverty
• What Is “Deep Poverty”? | Center for Poverty & Inequality Research
• Poverty Facts | University of Michigan
• LGBT Poverty in the United States | The Williams Institute

5 Essays About Poverty Everyone Should Know

Poverty is one of the driving forces of inequality in the world. Between 1990-2015, much progress was made. The number of people living on less than $1.90 went from 36% to 10%. However, according to the World Bank , the COVID-19 pandemic represents a serious problem that disproportionately impacts the poor. Research released in February of 2020 shows that by 2030, up to ⅔ of the “global extreme poor” will be living in conflict-affected and fragile economies. Poverty will remain a major human rights issue for decades to come. Here are five essays about the issue that everyone should know:

“We need an economic bill of rights” –  Martin Luther King Jr.

The Guardian published an abridged version of this essay in 2018, which was originally released in Look magazine just after Dr. King was killed. In this piece, Dr. King explains why an economic bill of rights is necessary. He points out that while mass unemployment within the black community is a “social problem,” it’s a “depression” in the white community. An economic bill of rights would give a job to everyone who wants one and who can work. It would also give an income to those who can’t work. Dr. King affirms his commitment to non-violence. He’s fully aware that tensions are high. He quotes a spiritual, writing “timing is winding up.” Even while the nation progresses, poverty is getting worse.

This essay was reprinted and abridged in The Guardian in an arrangement with The Heirs to the Estate of Martin Luther King. Jr. The most visible representative of the Civil Rights Movement beginning in 1955, Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. His essays and speeches remain timely.

“How Poverty Can Follow Children Into Adulthood” – Priyanka Boghani

This article is from 2017, but it’s more relevant than ever because it was written when 2012 was the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. That’s no longer the case. In 2012, around ¼ American children were in poverty. Five years later, children were still more likely than adults to be poor. This is especially true for children of colour. Consequences of poverty include anxiety, hunger, and homelessness. This essay also looks at the long-term consequences that come from growing up in poverty. A child can develop health problems that affect them in adulthood. Poverty can also harm a child’s brain development. Being aware of how poverty affects children and follows them into adulthood is essential as the world deals with the economic fallout from the pandemic.

Priyanka Boghani is a journalist at PBS Frontline. She focuses on U.S. foreign policy, humanitarian crises, and conflicts in the Middle East. She also assists in managing Frontline’s social accounts.

“5 Reasons COVID-19 Will Impact the Fight to End Extreme Poverty” – Leah Rodriguez

For decades, the UN has attempted to end extreme poverty. In the face of the novel coronavirus outbreak, new challenges threaten the fight against poverty. In this essay, Dr. Natalie Linos, a Harvard social epidemiologist, urges the world to have a “social conversation” about how the disease impacts poverty and inequality. If nothing is done, it’s unlikely that the UN will meet its Global Goals by 2030. Poverty and COVID-19 intersect in five key ways. For one, low-income people are more vulnerable to disease. They also don’t have equal access to healthcare or job stability. This piece provides a clear, concise summary of why this outbreak is especially concerning for the global poor.

Leah Rodriguez’s writing at Global Citizen focuses on women, girls, water, and sanitation. She’s also worked as a web producer and homepage editor for New York Magazine’s The Cut.

“Climate apartheid”: World’s poor to suffer most from disasters” – Al Jazeera and news Agencies

The consequences of climate change are well-known to experts like Philip Alston, the special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. In 2019, he submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council sounding the alarm on how climate change will devastate the poor. While the wealthy will be able to pay their way out of devastation, the poor will not. This will end up creating a “climate apartheid.” Alston states that if climate change isn’t addressed, it will undo the last five decades of progress in poverty education, as well as global health and development .

“Nickel and Dimed: On (not) getting by in America” – Barbara Ehrenreich

In this excerpt from her book Nickel and Dimed, Ehrenreich describes her experience choosing to live undercover as an “unskilled worker” in the US. She wanted to investigate the impact the 1996 welfare reform act had on the working poor. Released in 2001, the events take place between the spring of 1998 and the summer of 2000. Ehrenreich decided to live in a town close to her “real life” and finds a place to live and a job. She has her eyes opened to the challenges and “special costs” of being poor. In 2019, The Guardian ranked the book 13th on their list of 100 best books of the 21st century.

Barbara Ehrenreich is the author of 21 books and an activist. She’s worked as an award-winning columnist and essayist.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

5 Poverty Essays You Can Download For Free

Poverty is a complex issue. Researchers, legislators, and philosophers debate causes and consequences all the time, as well as solutions. To learn more about poverty, here are five essays you can access online for free:

Ending Global Poverty: Why Money Isn’t Enough – Lucy Page and Rohini Pande

In this essay, the authors lay out the argument that if extreme poverty is to end by 2030, it will take more than just economic growth and the distribution of resources. The solution is a shift in social and political institutions. States must be accountable to the needs of the poorest people and also have the ability to address the needs. Simply having more wealth isn’t enough, the authors say. By 2030, the world as a whole will probably be richer, but that doesn’t guarantee poverty will be non-existent. “Ending Global Poverty” was published in fall 2018 in the Journal of Economic Perspectives.

How Poverty Became A Crime In America – Peter Edelman

This essay in The Guardian is excerpted from Peter Edelman’s book Not A Crime To Be Poor: The Criminalization of Poverty in America. Edelman is an expert on poverty and known for resigning from the Clinton administration over welfare reforms he disagreed with. In his essay, Edelman describes how the US has created a system that punishes the poor, from budget cuts to mass incarceration to racism. Though short, the essay shrewdly explains the criminalization of poverty.

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The Economic Lives Of The Poor – Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo

Published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives in 2007, this essay explores the lives of the “extremely poor.” These are the people who live on less than $1 per day. Banerjee and Duflo describe the kinds of choices this group must make, their challenges, and more. They’ve relied on data and research from household surveys performed in 13 countries. If you’ve ever wondered what life is like for very poor people, how they earn their money, and how they spend it, this is a good essay to read.

The New Face of Hunger –  Tracie McMillan

Known for the New York Times bestseller The American Way of Eating, Tracie McMillan focuses her investigative research on poverty and food. In this essay from National Geographic, which includes pictures and graphs, McMillan follows the story of a woman living in Iowa. Money is very tight for this woman and her family, and feeding her children enough is often very challenging. In this essay, McMillan enlightens the reader on who is going hungry in America and the reasons why.

The Continuing Evolution of American Poverty and Its Implications for Community Development – Alan Berube

Written by a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program in Washington D.C., this essay (published by Brookings in 2016) examines how poverty has changed in the last 40 years. Community development has also changed, which means where poverty is found and how it manifests is different than in years past. Where does community development fit into the fight against poverty? Berube addresses this question and more.

Read more essays on poverty !

Poverty in America

This essay will address the issue of poverty in America, discussing its various dimensions and causes. It will explore factors contributing to poverty, including economic inequality, lack of education, and systemic issues. The piece will examine the impact of poverty on different demographics and regions, and the measures being taken to alleviate it, such as government programs and community initiatives. At PapersOwl too, you can discover numerous free essay illustrations related to America.

How it works

Poverty has been a ongoing, social issue that throughout the years has changed its meaning. Poverty is defined lacking basic necessities such as water, food, shelter, wealth, etc… About fifty years ago, war was declared on poverty by President Johnson hoping that it would end, but fast forward today, it is one of the biggest social issues America is dealing with. We don’t really know why poverty is still occurring, because the reasons seem to always be changing. The reasons for it still occurring is modern times as of right now are social conflict theory, structural functionalism, and symbolic interaction.

One of the reasons that poverty seems to still continue is because of the social conflict approach that happens to be the structure for the belief that views society as a platform of injustice that generates change and conflict. Unlike structural functionalism which we will talk about in the next paragraph, the conflict theory withholds how social structure advocates how society is composed and conveyed, concentrating on how we and others are benefited and suffering from social patterns. “In the United States, inequalities have steadily increased the past 20 years”(Korgen). The conflict theory is used by sociologist by looking at the lasting dispute between improvement and deficiency of people, for instance the relation between the wealth and the underprivileged, the relations between races, and also the relation between genders.

The people that are on top try to defend, conserve and maintain their privileges, at the same time the people who are at a disadvantage in society assemble and acquire more for themselves and their families. Education is one of the many examples that displays inequality of schools and classrooms. Children that are born into an underprivileged house and not being a to receive a full education, as if being born into a wealthier household and having them funds to be able to afford higher eduction such as college, which in the long run will be able provide those children with higher paying careers or jobs in comparison to poor children who are not capable of supporting and providing a way to pay for college or the higher education. In results to not being able to afford college, these students are not able to attain a well paying job. Since these students are not able to attend high education and secure a high income job, these students end up mirroring the patterns of their parents.

The study of our society focusing on the inequality and conflict of racial groups. For example it is believed that the Caucasians have more social power over the nationalities of color. For instance, the powers are looked at to be more education, healthier life styles, and higher quality jobs. Gender conflicts as all the others it focuses on the inequality of women and men. Throughout the decades, men have always had the dominant positions in the work field which contributed to a better salary. To summarize the conflict theory symbols the hierarchical division of society as result of poverty considering the low opportunities from injustice and unfairness towards race, ethnics and gender.

Structural functionalism, what is it? Structional Functionalism is defined as the framework for building theory that sees societies as a complex system, whose parts work together to form a stable and solidarity society. Functionalist look at society as a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain balance for the whole. According to Hebert Spencer that the human body which needs all its parts to work properly remembers a social functionalism which needs all parts of society to function. Social structure does not always end good, and have happy outcomes, which as an aftermath of dysfunction interfering with how a society is normal ran or functioning. Poverty is thought-out to be functional since several careers like doctors and attorneys call for more schooling and proficiency rather than jobs working in retail or restaurants which don’t require little to no education and skill. These high paying jobs have been narrowed down to those people that are eager to learn and spend time and money in school while having the mind set that all of their hard work will pay off due to the immense salary they will earn.

Lastly, poverty continues in todays society because a thing called symbolic interaction. Symbolic interaction explains social behavior in terms of how people as a society are interacting with one another. A symbolic interactionist believes a society is an outcome of everyday social interactions of individuals. In the world we live in, there are many symbols with connected meaning to everything interpreting our surroundings, assumptions about people and contracting an identity for ourselves. For instance, wealthy and poor people are portrayed in society completely differently. We as people look at a wealthier person and think of that person as hard-working and well educated, while underprivileged and poor people may be portrayed as inattentive and not well educated.

Finally, it may be concluded as property will always be social issue and looked at as lacking necessities like food, water, shelter. The United States is known to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world, however in “2017 they’re are 12.3% of America population still living in poverty, which works out to be 1 in 8 Americans.” (Pressman) Poverty today is not the same as it was 100’s of years ago, the definition is continuously changing and can be looked at in many different ways such as the conflict approaches, structural functionalism and finally symbolic interaction.  

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• Poverty Essay for Students in English

Essay on Poverty

Poverty is a disease that has no cure. The deeper this disease is, the deeper its wound. By the way, man lives under compulsion. But usually one wants to avoid it. Poverty is a condition of extreme poverty for any person or human being. This is a situation when a person starts to lack important things in his life such as the roof, necessary food, clothes, medicines, etc. to continue his life.

The causes of poverty are excessive population, fatal and contagious diseases, natural disasters, low agricultural yields, unemployment, casteism, illiteracy, gender inequality, environmental problems, changing trends in the economy of the country, untouchability, little or limited access to people's rights, Problems such as political violence, sponsored crime, corruption, lack of encouragement, inaction, ancient social beliefs, etc. have to be faced.

Poverty has become a big problem of the world, efforts are being made across the world today to remove poverty, but the problem is that it does not take the name of ending. This problem affects a human's economic and daily life. Poverty teaches man to live like a slave in which he has to change the place over time, in this situation due to the lack of education of the poor, his nature and speech also make a difference. Living in a world of poor people has become a curse. Getting enough money to get food is like getting relief from a curse for the poor, that's why they do not have access to education.

Reasons of Poverty

There are many reasons that have continued with carrying it for a long time. Because of this,  freedom, mental and physical fitness, and lack of security in a person remains. It is very important that in order to live a normal life, the country and the whole world will have to work together to bring proper physical and mental health, complete education, a home for everyone, and other important things.

In today's time, there is the problem of poverty which gives all the pain, pain, and despair to the poor. Due to the lack of money from poverty, I show the lack of many things. Poverty makes children spend life in compulsion. If forced to make bread, sometimes in bringing children's books. At that time he is also unable to raise children.

We can tell poverty in many ways like it has become a common thing in India. Most of the people here are unable to get the things they need. Here a vast section of the population is illiterate, hungry, and forced to live without clothes and a home. About half of India's population suffers from this epidemic of poverty.

A poor person lives his life without possession of basic things like food for two times, clean water, house, clothes, proper education, etc. There are many reasons for poverty in India. Incorrect distribution of national income is also a reason. People in the low-income group are much poorer than those in the high-income group. Children of poor families never get proper education, nutrition, and a happy childhood environment. The main cause of poverty is illiteracy, corruption, growing population, weak agriculture, the growing gap between rich and poverty, etc.

Measures to Control Poverty

Corruption has to be erased.

Unemployed will have to give proper employment

A growing population will have to be stopped

Farmers have to be given proper facilities for farming

Education should be provided to children for proper education

Poverty is not just a human problem but it is a national problem. It should be solved by implementing some effective methods on a quick basis. Every person should be united by ending corruption. A problem has been created in which he does not get even the basics. That is why at present, many measures are being taken to prevent poverty so that the standard of living of people around the world can be improved.

Short Essays on Poverty

Poverty is akin to being a slave, as a person cannot achieve anything he desires. It has various faces that alter depending on who you are, where you are, and when. It can be defined in various ways depending on how a person feels or experiences it.

Poverty is a state that no one wants to be in, but it must be removed owing to cultural norms, natural disasters, or a lack of adequate education. The individual who is experiencing it frequently wishes to flee. Poverty is a call for poor people to earn enough money to eat, have access to education, have adequate shelter, dress appropriately, and take steps to protect themselves from social and political violence.

It's a problem that goes unnoticed yet significantly impacts a person's social life. Poverty is an entirely avoidable problem, but there are various reasons why it has persisted in the past.

Poverty robs people of their freedom, mental health, physical well-being, and security. Everyone must strive to eradicate poverty from the country and the world, ensuring appropriate physical and mental health, full literacy, a home for all, and other necessities for living a simple life.

When a person cannot do anything according to his will, he is said to be in poverty. Many different faces alter depending on who you are, where you are, and time. It can be characterized in a variety of ways, depending on how the person feels or what they have achieved. Poverty is a circumstance that no one wants to be in, even if it is forced upon them due to a lack of experience, nature, natural disasters, or a lack of suitable education. Humans have won it, but they prefer to stay away from it. Poverty is a call for needed clothing and protection against social and political violence for the poor to earn enough money to buy food, receive an education, and find a suitable place to live.

This is an unseen problem that harms a person's social life. Even though numerous factors have contributed to its long-term persistence, poverty is a perfectly preventable problem. As a result, a person's freedom, mental and physical well-being, and sense of security are all compromised. It is critical to bring poverty and poverty from worldwide to work together to live everyday life, provide adequate physical and mental health, complete education, a home for everyone, and other essential things.

FAQs on Poverty Essay for Students in English

1. What are the Effects of Poverty?

When people are not able to afford their basic necessities. For example medications and hospital fees are impossible to afford for that means they choose crook ways of obtaining money i.e. stealing, robbery, etc.  

2. What are the Possible Ways to Remove Poverty?

Since India is a developing country, eliminating poverty here is much tougher than in other countries but still some measures can be taken and government assistance would be much helpful in this step which requires some relevant planning and policies for those who fall under the poverty line. Another major factor of poverty is illiteracy and unemployment. Therefore education is the most efficient tool to confine the poverty line in the country. 

3. What is the Poverty Line?

The Below Poverty Line (BPL) signifies the state of people who fall under poverty status. It also symbolizes an economic drawback. In addition, it is used for people who are in need of help and assistance from the government.

4. What are the causes of poverty?

Poverty has several causes, including a lack of access to essentials such as water, food, shelter, education, and healthcare. Poverty is also caused by inequities such as gender or ethnic discrimination, bad governance, conflict, exploitation, and domestic violence. These disparities not only cause a person or a society to fall into poverty, but they can also prevent people from receiving social assistance that could help them get out of it. Due to political upheaval, past or present conflict, corrupt authorities, and lousy infrastructure that restricts access to education, clean water, healthcare, and other essentials, children and communities in fragile states confront greater poverty rates.

5. What can we do to put an end to extreme poverty?

We can aid in the eradication of extreme poverty by determining what causes it in a particular community and then determining what needs to change. Because poverty manifests itself differently in different regions and is caused by different circumstances, the work to end extreme poverty differs depending on the situation. More economic resources are needed to assist people in increasing their income and better providing for themselves and their families. To ensure that poverty does not return, the work must be sustainable, regardless of the solution. As a result, the community must be involved at every stage.

6. What criteria are used to assess poverty?

Each country's government determines poverty levels by conducting home surveys of its citizens. The World Bank, for example, assists and may conduct their surveys, although data collecting is time-consuming and slow. New high-frequency surveys are being created and tested, leveraging estimations and mobile phone technologies. If you want to learn more about these topics, download the Vedantu App that has been specifically designed and curated for students by experts.

7. What is the poverty cycle?

Poverty can be a catch-22 situation. To escape poverty, a person requires access to possibilities such as education, clean water, local medical services, and financial means. Poverty creates a generational cycle if these critical factors are not there. If parents cannot afford to take their children to school, they will struggle to find work when they grow up. Even natural disasters and conflicts can exacerbate the poverty cycle by bringing more people.

8. What are the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of goals for countries worldwide to work together in a global partnership for the benefit of people, the environment, and prosperity. The Sustainable Development Goals aim to abolish extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 and to reduce the proportion of people living in poverty in all forms by at least half. In September 2015, the United Nations member states accepted this objective as one of 17 to end extreme poverty.

15 Quotes About Poverty to Get People Thinking

These 15 quotes about poverty will develop a powerful image of what poverty looks and feels like. These quotes about poverty are also designed to leave a sense of hope because the fight towards a better future is still going.

• “I believe that, as long as there is plenty, poverty is evil.” – Robert Kennedy
• “As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality exist in the world, none of us can truly exist.” – Nelson Mandela
• “Extreme poverty anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere.” – Kofi Annan
• “Poverty is like punishment for a crime you didn’t commit.” – Eli Khamarov
• “Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime.” – Aristotle
• “These days there is a lot of poverty in the world, and that’s a scandal when we have so many riches and resources to give to everyone. We all have to think about how we can become a little poorer.” – Pope Francis
• “You can’t get rid of poverty by giving people money.” – J. O’Rourke
• “There are many reasons why vulnerable young people join militant groups, but among them are poverty and ignorance…” – Muhammadu Buhari
• “Wars of nations are fought to change maps. But wars of poverty are fought to map change.” – Muhammad Ali
• “We cannot afford to spend millions and millions over nuclear arms when there is poverty and unemployment all around us.” – Lal Bahadur Shastri
• “The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of poverty, and all forms of human life.” – John F. Kennedy
• “A rich, robust, well-resourced public education is one of the best routes out of poverty and a pathway to prosperity.” – Randi Weingarten
• “The belief that the world is getting worse, that we can’t solve extreme poverty and disease, isn’t just mistaken. It is harmful.” – Bill Gates
• “Growing economies are critical; we will never be able to end poverty unless economies are growing. We also need to find ways of growing economies so that the growth creates good jobs, especially for young people, especially for women, especially for the poorest who have been excluded from the economic system.” – Jim Yong Kim
• “Poverty is a very complicated issue, but feeding a child isn’t.” – Jeff Bridges

A central point of these quotes about poverty is that poverty isn’t just a financial issue. It doesn’t just affect people who have no money. Poverty is a social problem that needs a social solution to be solved.

– Caysi Simpson

Photo: Flickr

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• DOI: 10.4324/9780203905104-16
• Corpus ID: 222875325

White Poverty The Politics of Invisibility

• Published 2 October 2012
• Political Science, Sociology

3 Citations

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