Systemic poverty is a harsh reality that millions of people around the world face every day. It's a problem deeply ingrained in our society, and unfortunately, there's a common misconception that being poor is a result of laziness or poor choices. In this article, we're going to debunk that myth and shed light on the systemic factors that perpetuate poverty.

The Cycle of Poverty

Poverty is a vicious cycle. A lot of people who are born poor, end up being poor themselves. Not because they are not working hard or anything but because of the following reasons: 

1) They don't have access to education. Many individuals born into poverty face limited access to quality education. Without a solid educational foundation, it's incredibly challenging to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for higher-paying jobs or entrepreneurship. 

2) They don't have access to financial literacy or computers The digital divide is a significant factor in today's world. Those who can't afford access to computers or the internet are at a disadvantage in a technology-driven society. This limits their opportunities for remote work, online education, and digital entrepreneurship. 

3) They can't afford to invest in personal development, Starting a business or honing skills often requires financial resources. When you're struggling to make ends meet with low-paying jobs, saving for education or investing in personal development becomes a luxury many can't afford.

And so they are stuck in low-paying jobs that don't require much mental or creative labor.  So, when these people who grew up poor, end up being poor they have kids who are also poor and it just continues the vicious cycle of poverty.

Socio-economic factors that affect poverty

Race: 

Imagine there are two friends, one named Alex and the other named Jordan. They both have similar skills and qualifications, but there's one key difference – their skin color.

Now, they both apply for the same job. Despite having the same abilities, Alex faces a higher chance of being turned down or receiving a lower salary simply because of their race. This is like an invisible hurdle that Alex has to overcome that Jordan doesn't face.

Let's say they both want to start a small business. Jordan might find it easier to get a loan or financial support, while Alex struggles because of biases in the system. It's like starting a race, but Alex has to carry extra weight while Jordan gets a head start.

Now, think about education. If Alex and Jordan go to the same school, Alex might encounter subtle biases from teachers or face stereotypes that affect their opportunities. It's like trying to run a race with shoes that don't fit properly – it makes things much harder.

Over time, these challenges add up. Jordan might have more opportunities for career growth, better access to education, and an easier path to financial success. Meanwhile, Alex, facing these hurdles at every step, might find it difficult to break through and achieve the same level of economic prosperity.

Gender:

According to Oxfam.org, 'Across the world, women are in the lowest-paid work. Globally, they earn 24 percent less than men and at the current rate of progress, it will take 170 years to close the gap. 700 million fewer women than men are in paid work.'

Why the majority of the world’s poor are women | Oxfam International

Four facts you need to know about gender and poverty today | UN Women Data Hub

These are just some of the few blocks that women face in their quest for economic prosperity. Others include the motherhood penalty, the dumb myth that women are just naturally bad at investing and that we are reckless spenders. 

These are just some indicators that poverty goes beyond just working hard or laziness. Another thing that can cause poverty is:

The Living Wage Debate

Now, let's delve into the living wage debate, a crucial aspect of the poverty puzzle in Nigeria. The minimum wage, set at 65,000 Naira per month, might seem like a decent figure at first glance. However, when we break it down against the rising costs of living, a stark reality emerges.

A liter of fuel alone costs 656 Naira, and with transportation costs continually on the rise due to fluctuating fuel prices, individuals are left with a significant financial burden. Consider the daily commute to work, which isn't factored into the salary. The struggle is real, and this scenario is further complicated for those with families to support.

Let's take a closer look at the breakdown:

- **Basic Needs:** Even without the added responsibility of a family, the basic needs of survival – food, shelter, and miscellaneous expenses – take a considerable chunk out of the monthly income. With the relentless increase in the cost of living, it's a constant battle to make ends meet.

- **Impact on Families:** For those with families, the struggle intensifies. The meager salary barely covers the essentials, leaving little room for any form of economic mobility. The cycle of poverty becomes more pronounced as individuals find themselves trapped in a relentless loop of insufficient income and mounting expenses.

This living wage debate is not just about numbers; it's about the real-life struggles of individuals trying to survive in an economy that often falls short of providing a fair and livable wage. The implications are profound and contribute significantly to the perpetuation of systemic poverty.

Obviously 65,000 thousand naira can never be enough to take care of anyone. Not in this economy. The thing is these people usually have side hustles, yet it isn't enough. That should say more about the wage than the people's ability to work hard. 

Poor people deserve a whole lot more than society is currently giving.  

In conclusion, it's crucial to recognize that being poor is not a choice but a consequence of a deeply entrenched web of systemic issues. The cycle of poverty, fueled by limited access to education, financial resources, and personal development opportunities, is a harsh reality for millions worldwide.

Socio-economic factors, such as race and gender, play a significant role in perpetuating this cycle. As illustrated by the stories of Alex and Jordan, systemic biases create invisible hurdles, making the path to economic prosperity uneven. Women, in particular, face numerous blocks in their pursuit of financial well-being, from the gender pay gap to harmful stereotypes.

The living wage debate in Nigeria further exemplifies the challenges individuals face in breaking free from the shackles of poverty. A seemingly decent minimum wage becomes insufficient when confronted with the relentless rise in the cost of living. Basic needs, even without family responsibilities, take up a significant portion of the meager income, leaving little room for economic mobility.

It's crucial to understand that poor individuals often engage in side hustles, highlighting the insufficiency of the current wage structure. The stigmatization attached to poverty further exacerbates the challenges faced by those struggling to make ends meet.

Empathy and understanding are paramount in addressing systemic poverty. Instead of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, society must acknowledge the complex factors at play. By addressing the root causes, fostering equal opportunities, and advocating for fair wages and policies, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society.

Poor people deserve more than the current societal narrative offers. Let's challenge the status quo, dismantle systemic barriers, and strive for a world where economic prosperity is not determined by circumstances beyond one's control. Only through collective efforts to dismantle systemic issues can we pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future.