Poverty
Children of a lesser God
Over Rs1 trillion in subsidies benefit large industries and landowners in Pakistan, with little trickling down to the country’s poorer communities, says the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Despite concerted efforts by individuals, organizations, and countries worldwide, pursuing poverty alleviation remains a formidable challenge. According to the World Bank, 700 million people live in extreme poverty, while another 3.5 billion hover just above the poverty line, living on less than $6.85 per day. However, what complicates the situation further is the marginalization that poverty causes, meaning the poor are consistently marginalized.
Before we talk about why the poor are always a marginalized class, it is necessary to briefly explain what marginality and marginalization mean. A research paper by the University of Bonn aptly defines marginality as “an involuntary position and condition of an individual or group at the margins of social, political, economic, ecological, and biophysical systems, preventing them from accessing resources, assets, and services, restraining freedom of choice, preventing the development of capabilities, and eventually causing extreme poverty.”
Meanwhile, marginalization is the process of pushing certain individuals or communities to the brink of society. This social process thrusts individuals to the fringes, depriving them of access to power and influence. While not all marginalized individuals or communities are poor, nearly all of the world’s poor are marginalized. They remain far from power corridors and have no say in decision-making, not even in matters that affect them. For instance, certain ethnic communities or religious minorities are not impoverished but are marginalized due to their identity. For example, Muslims in Myanmar, India, and China experience marginality due to their religious beliefs.
However, the majority of marginalized people worldwide lack the resources necessary for a decent life. Marginalized people can be found everywhere, though they are more prevalent in the Global South, with high concentrations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Many factors contribute to their marginalization. Here are the general and most common reasons behind this phenomenon.
Before examining the reasons for the marginalization of the poor, it is essential to explore the historical background briefly. Historical inequalities and colonial legacies have left a lasting impact on marginalization patterns, particularly in regions like South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Colonial resource extraction practices disrupted the economic structures of indigenous communities, leaving them marginalized even in the post-colonial era. In many countries, land ownership and resource control remain concentrated among elites with historical ties to colonial powers, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Foremost among the reasons for marginalization is the lack of resources. The destitute are seldom heard, as the world listens only to the powerful. Some may argue that modern democracies and adult universal suffrage have mitigated financial discrimination. However, merely having voting rights does not influence policymaking. Once elections are over, the poor are rarely heard. This issue may be less severe in advanced Western nations but persists worldwide. An article by Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page, titled ‘Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens,’ highlights how economic elites and business interests have far more political influence than average citizens in the United States.
In developing countries, the situation is worse. For example, according to the latest report from Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue, tax exemptions in the fiscal year 2023-24 reached a cost of Rs3.8 trillion. These exemptions primarily benefit sectors dominated by elite interests, such as agriculture, sugar, textile, and real estate industries, contributing little to poverty alleviation or equitable resource distribution.
Another reason for the marginalization of the poor is their lack of awareness, often due to low literacy rates. The have-nots are often unaware of the complex policymaking process and are thus excluded from it. For instance, the UNDP’s ‘Human Development Report on Pakistan (2020)’ noted that low literacy, compounded by limited access to media and information, sidelines poor communities from political discourse. Without basic literacy and communication skills, many poor individuals cannot comprehend public notices, government announcements, or the necessary steps for advocacy, leaving them uninformed about initiatives that might benefit them.
The inequitable distribution of subsidies and lack of government support for the poor also contribute significantly to their marginalization. Because the poor are less educated and less aware of their political and legal rights, governments often overlook them. According to the Federal Board of Revenue, over Rs1 trillion in subsidies benefit large industries and landowners in Pakistan, with little trickling down to the country’s poorer communities.
The marginalized will remain trapped in a catch-22 situation: they are marginalized because they are poor, and they are poor because they are marginalized.
Marginalization is further compounded by factors like gender, disability, and age, which intersect with poverty. Women in impoverished communities face additional challenges, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and employment. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report,’ women in low-income countries face a higher risk of poverty than men, primarily due to entrenched gender inequalities.
Similarly, people with disabilities face barriers to employment, education, and social services, pushing them further to the margins of society. Elderly individuals in poor communities often lack adequate social support, leaving them vulnerable and marginalized.
Addressing the marginalization of the poor requires proactive government policies and international support. Universal basic income, targeted social safety nets, educational reforms, and transparent subsidy distribution are potential solutions to reduce poverty and support marginalized communities. Governments should prioritize policies ensuring equitable access to resources, such as affordable education and healthcare, to empower poor individuals to escape poverty. Additionally, grassroots organizations can play a vital role in educating marginalized groups about their rights and opportunities, fostering greater inclusion.
Thus, unless governments work to improve the financial status of the poor, the marginalized will remain trapped in a catch-22: they are marginalized because they are poor, and they are poor because they are marginalized. A more inclusive approach that addresses historical inequalities provides equitable resources, and empowers marginalized groups through education and awareness is essential for breaking this cycle.
The writer is a freelance writer based in Larkana. He can be reached at sjatoi831@gmail.com
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Absolutely right. From Past to the present, lower class has been struggling in every field, albeit they live in developed countries. We are in 21st century but till live in 15th century.