Discrimination and marginalization are major factors that contribute to the perpetuation of poverty. Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, and marginalization refers to the process of pushing a particular group to the edge of society, often resulting in severe social exclusion. Both discrimination and marginalization are closely linked to poverty, as they can limit individuals and groups’ access to opportunities and resources, and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
One of the ways in which discrimination and marginalization perpetuate poverty is through limiting access to education, jobs, and housing. For example, individuals from marginalized groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities, may face discrimination in the job market, which can limit their access to well-paying jobs and economic opportunities. This can make it difficult for them to break out of poverty and achieve financial stability. Similarly, discrimination in the housing market can limit access to safe and affordable housing, further exacerbating poverty.
Discrimination and marginalization also perpetuate poverty by limiting access to healthcare and social services. Marginalized groups may face barriers to accessing healthcare services, such as language barriers, lack of transportation, or discrimination by healthcare providers. This can make it difficult for them to manage and prevent health problems, which can lead to higher healthcare costs and increased poverty. Similarly, marginalized groups may also have limited access to social services, such as welfare programs and education programs, which can further exacerbate poverty.
Discrimination and marginalization also perpetuate poverty by creating a negative social and psychological impact on individuals and groups. Discrimination and marginalization can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and hopelessness, which can make it difficult for individuals and groups to break out of poverty. This can also lead to a lack of trust in the government and other institutions, and a lack of civic engagement, which further perpetuates poverty and inequality.
In conclusion, discrimination and marginalization are major factors that contribute to the perpetuation of poverty. They limit access to education, jobs, housing, healthcare and social services, and create a negative social and psychological impact on individuals and groups. To reduce poverty, it is important to address discrimination and marginalization by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and by implementing policies and programs that provide equal opportunities and resources to all individuals and groups.
