Question

Do you think that poverty is a cause or a result of prejudice and discrimination? Why? How are ethnicity and cultural identities related to prejudice, discrimination, and poverty?

Answer 1

Answer- Poverty is both a cause and a result of prejudice and discrimination. It is a viscious circle of never ending despair. Poverty, as understood by many, is not just limited to material and economic disadvantage, but extends far beyond it. Poor people often experience various forms of stigma, prejudice and discrimination in society. These discrimination are either because they are poor, or in other way round, they remain poor because they are discriminated and oppressed. They feel socially excluded from the benefits and opportunities which creates a division in society and maintain socioeconomic inequalities further limiting their low incomes. Institutional stigma is another menace that is evident in social security policies of the government and how they are designed and delivered. These policies often encourage a culture of dependency and worklessness among the poor because they are given temporary free allowances instead of a permanent job security.

It is evident from the experience of many countries that ehnicity and cultural identities related to prejudice, discrimination, and poverty. Because, prejudice is a broad social phenomenon based on race, sex/gender, nationality, or sexual orientation, political party, classism, or even ageism. Such an intolerant atmosphere that is supported by a dominant social structure discourages the participation of the poor in the equal social opportunities in any area like education, employment, career opportunity, games and sports, political participation, beneficiary of social securities etc. All these deprive them from earning a good income and improving their living standard. Hence they are caught in the downward spiral of poverty and discrimination.