Poverty is central to health and development in low-income and middle-income countries.
State your definition of poverty prior to studying public health. Based on this definition,
what would be the focus of poverty alleviation solutions? Based on the relational and
spiritual definition of poverty, discuss how the focus of solutions would change to include a
holistic approach. Identify an example of a health program or solution that integrates a
relational definition of poverty.
Poverty can be defined in many ways by a person due to their lifestyle, morals, values,
finances, education, etc. Poverty means to be without something or lack of. Prior to
studying public health, I believe the definition was the same but the I was leaning more
toward financial poverty and not having the basics needs to sustain a healthy and adequate
life. In the article Poverty is a Lie (2015), poverty is defined as “a mindset that goes far
beyond the tragic circumstances”. I believe this means that a human believing that they are
in poverty can be changed by thinking and doing more to change it. As an African
American woman raised in a church going family, I know their importance when it comes
to alleviating poverty in the community. Our church was always taking donations and
having bake sales to raise money for community programs for job assistance, education
assistance, and even meals for individuals and their families. Being able to go to a church
and letting go of your pride to ask for help can be a life changing moment for a lot of
people.
Psychological research is crucial to illuminating and interrupting the dam- aging
consequences of economic hardship, understanding interpersonal and institutional
responses to poverty and economic inequality, and building support for effective pro-
grams and policies (Bullock, 2019). Here in San Antonio, Texas, there are several health
programs that help alleviate poverty. One program is the faith-based initiative. This
program helps people in need of work, shelter, financial assistance, and even childcare
assistance. The program implements religion and faith to help change the way people feel
about themselves and the need for better lifestyle choices. Haven for Hope is another
facility here in San Antonio that provides free medical care, shelter, food, and after care for
those in desperate need. Haven for Hope and our partners address the root causes of
homelessness by offering programming tailored to the specific needs of the individual
(Haven for Hope, 2019). The goal is to meet individuals where they are and support them
as they move toward self-sufficiency (Haven for Hope, 2019).
References:
Bullock, H. E., & Quinn, D. M. (2019). Psychology’s Contributions to Understanding and
Alleviating Poverty and Economic Inequality: Introduction to the Special Section.
American Psychologist, 74(6), 635–640.
Examination of Poverty Post
EXAMINATION OF POST ON POVERTY 2
Hi, your post was excellent since you not only clearly explain the concepts but also give personal
examples that enable the reader to understand the ideas on a deeper level. In particular, you relate
poverty to your background to demonstrate how the definition of poverty goes beyond the lack
of basic notes. In the same way as you, reading about relational and spiritual poverty has
expanded my view of poverty. I like how you take a psychological viewpoint to illustrate that
relational and spiritual poverty stems from the lack of support systems and social connections
(Feldman, 2017). Based on this definition, the nest way to solve this form of poverty is through
social programs that connect people on a deeper level. You give the example of a faith-based
program that assists people in various in your post. Excellent job!
EXAMINATION OF POST ON POVERTY 3
References
Feldman, G. (2019). Towards a Relational Approach to Poverty in Social Work: Research and
Practice Considerations. The British Journal of Social Work, 49(7), 1705-1722.