The other day I was interviewed by three young girls from one of the local primary schools. They were doing a project on people who use the services of the City Mission. One of their questions was “What causes poverty?” This question really stopped me in my tracks because I really don’t know.

The effects of poverty are really clear. We know that if there is not enough money to pay for the basics of life then people will not be well housed, they will be cold and they will not have enough to eat. We know that because of poverty children miss out on being able to avail themselves of education because they are too hungry, too unsupported or ill-equipped to learn. We know that poverty means that good food is often not available and good health is placed at risk. Increasingly we also see that those who are poor have no sense of ownership in their community and often have a feeling of exclusion and low self-worth.

That an individual person lives in poverty is largely about luck. If you are born into a poor family then your chances of being able to break out of poverty are not great. A few people do manage to do it and while this is a credit to them, it perpetuates the dream that anyone can do so. Many people cannot because of the hand fate has dealt them. It seems to me that if you are poor, with a mental illness, no family support or education and little encouragement, then the chance of being able to make a meaningful change in life is as remote as winning lotto.

But what causes poverty? Some individuals appear to have a good start in life and do not use the opportunities they have. They either do not see the opportunities or chose to waste them. Other people do not have the opportunities, education, energy or motivation to do things that may improve their lot in life. I think that poverty is not caused so much by individuals but by systems. Poverty is a worldwide problem and a political one.

It was a great question that the girls asked. No one person has all the answers. What do you think?
Cheers,
Michael