UNDERSTANDING POVERTY: CAUSES, EFFECTS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The aim of this article is to examine the concept of in terms of definition, types, causes, determinants and indicators. The relationship between inequality and is also visited. The absolute and relative approaches to the definition of are examined. Poverty is defined as the inability of individuals or households to attain sufficient resources to satisfy a socially acceptable minimum standard of living. Characteristics which determine include individual, community, household and regional characteristics. Lack of access to basic services such as dwelling, electricity, water and sanitation was found to aggravate poverty. Socio-economic factors such as unemployment, education level, gender, income and household size also affect poverty. Causes, determinants and types of must first be understood before can be alleviated. Poverty remains a problem in South Africa twenty years after the transition to democracy. This article is thus intended to provide the public, politicians and policy makers with a better understanding of the word poverty and, therefore, help alleviation of poverty.