poverty trap

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun poverty trap has 1 sense

poverty trap - a situation in which an increase in income results in a loss of benefits so that you are no better off
--₁ is a kind of situation, position

Definitions from the Web

Poverty Trap

Definition

Poverty trap refers to a situation where individuals or communities are unable to escape poverty due to various interconnected economic, social, and systemic factors. It involves a cycle of deprivation, limited resources, and lack of opportunities that make it extremely difficult for those affected to improve their living conditions.

Sense 1: Economic

In the economic sense, the poverty trap is characterized by low income levels, limited access to credit, and insufficient resources to invest in education, healthcare, or entrepreneurship. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty as individuals struggle to meet their basic needs and break free from the constraints that prevent them from accumulating wealth.

Sample sentence: Despite working multiple jobs, she found herself caught in the poverty trap, unable to save enough money to escape her dire circumstances.

Sense 2: Social

The social aspect of the poverty trap encompasses factors such as discrimination, lack of social mobility, and limited access to quality healthcare, education, and housing opportunities. These systemic barriers reinforce the cycle of poverty for marginalized communities and make it challenging for them to achieve upward mobility.

Sample sentence: The poverty trap faced by certain racial and ethnic groups highlights the deep-seated inequalities within our society that need urgent attention.

Sense 3: Local

On a local level, the poverty trap refers to the unique challenges faced by specific regions or communities. These challenges can be influenced by factors such as geographic isolation, lack of infrastructure, limited job prospects, or environmental issues. Overcoming the local poverty trap often requires tailored interventions and community-driven initiatives.

Sample sentence: The government implemented various programs to address the poverty trap in the rural areas by providing access to microfinance and skill-building workshops.