In broad terms, poverty is defined as a situation where an individual or a group of individuals lack enough possessions or incomes to meet personal needs. However, poverty can also be defined as being absolute, relative, or subjective, depending on the scenario it is used to describe. In practice, absolute poverty refers to a state in which individuals’ incomes are below the minimum levels required to satisfy basic human needs (Bayram et al., 2012). Relative poverty, on the other hand, refers to situations in which there is a comparison in the standards of living between members of society. With this in mind, as opposed to absolute poverty, relative poverty varies from country to country or over some time. Lastly, subjective poverty is usually denied by the individual’s perspective of their ability to meet their needs (Bayram et al., 2012).
Social exclusion is a process or situation where individuals or a group of individuals are impeded systematically from accessing certain benefits, rights, resources, or opportunities that are readily available to individuals in a different bracket or group. It is important to note that in social exclusion, the denied benefits are usually deemed to be vital in enabling social integration and requisite for the adherence of human rights within a particular society (Raffo & Reeves, 2000). Some common examples of social exclusion include housing, civil engagement, due process, health care, employment, and democratic participation, among others. Most importantly, individuals who are socially excluded are deprived of social recognition and social value (Raffo & Reeves, 2000). Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between poverty and social exclusion. In essence, the denial of certain rights or aspects of life and opportunities has been shown to increase the propensity of certain individuals or groups of individuals to wallow in poverty.
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Purpose of the Study
Although the correlation between social exclusion and poverty has been pointed out, the main aspects of social exclusion that increase the tendency of individuals to experience poverty have not been pointed out explicitly. This research study is purposed at evaluating and establishing the major aspects of social exclusion that precipitates in individuals experiencing high levels of poverty.
Research Question
What are the factors of social exclusion that increase the propensity of an individual or a group of individuals to experience poverty?
Hypothesis
The Social factors that heighten social exclusion and result in poverty are gender, ethnicity, and age.
Methodology
Nature of Study
In order To establish the social exclusion factors that contribute to poverty, this study will take a qualitative approach. The choice of the qualitative approach is based on its appropriateness in providing specific insights and perspective to the issue at hand. Secondly, as a result of the qualitative approach, participants in this study will be in the apposition to expand on their responses through the openness that is associated with the qualitative research (Pathak et al., 2013). Lastly, as a result of the qualitative study, the result and findings of this study will have an aspect of the human experience incorporated in illuminating the social factors that drive social exclusion and how these factors precipitate into heightened poverty rates in society.
Participants and Location
To effectively answer the research question and effectively test the hypothesis in this study, the participants will be drawn from a metropolitan residential area. The choice of the metropolitan resident is informed by the presence of individuals from diverse ethical and cultural backgrounds. This is an important aspect as it will serve to ensure that data from different ethical backgrounds will be taken into account. Secondly, the choice of the metropolitan residential area for this study also draws from the fact that the demographic representation present in these areas is suitable and meets the requirements for the study.
Sample Size
For this study, the participants were selected from the residents aged between 18 and 65. The sample size for this study was 80 participants.
This sample was calculated as a proportion of the population. Besides, for this in the study, equal representation for the diverse ethnicities present in the residential area was taken into consideration. Besides, the sample or the study also ensured that there was an equal demographic representation of the participants.
Data Collection
For this study, data will be collected from primary sources. The main method for data collection will be a semi - structured questionnaire . In essence, a semi - structured questionnaire usually contains a few predefined questions, whereas the rest of the questions are not planned (Patten, 2016). Participants in this research study will be issued with printed questionnaires in which the requisite instructions on who to fill them will be provided. The participants were allowed a period of three days to fill up the questionnaire and submit them. Additionally, illiterate participants will be assisted in the process of filling up their questionnaires.
Questionnaire
| Thank you for taking your time to participate in this survey. It is important to note that Your participation in this survey is Voluntary and that any information you provide be held confidentially and your identity will remain anonymous. This questionnaire consists of two parts A and B. please follows the instructions at the beginning of each section. Thank you for your participation. | |
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Section A . Please fill in or tick where appropriate |
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Gender (Tick where appropriate)
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How old are you? _______years _______months |
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marital Status
Single
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No of Children
one
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| Residence: ____________Ethnicity: _________ |
does every member of you family has his or her own room
yes
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| occupation_____________ (State whether permanent or part-time) |
if not employed please tick appropriately
Yes
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| Average Weekly income __________________ |
if not applicable please tick appropriately
Yes
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| Section B. In this section you will be required to answer each question appropriately. Feel free to provide additional information where necessary | |
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Do you feel that you have equal representation in society? Does your answer in question 1 affect your chances of participating fully in any activity within the society? Is your ethnicity an important factor in determining whether you get a job or not? Do you believe that ethnicity has a role to play for current financial status? What is the impact of you age in accessing job opportunities? Do you believe that your age has significance to your financial situation? How does your gender affect your chances of accessing the various opportunities within your community? Does gender have a role in your current financial situation? Are there situations in which you feel excluded from accessing an opportunity in society? If your answer in question 9 is yes please identify which parameter you consider among age gender and ethnicity as the reason for your perceived exclusion. Do you believe that social exclusion is an important factor in determining your financial situation? |
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| Note: in case of any query please contact _________________ for more details. Cell. No ____________ | |
Data Analysis
For this study, a thematic analysis will be carried out to identify the themes and patterns that will emanate from the participant's responses.
Results
All the participants in this study filled up their questionnaire and submitted them within the stipulated period. From the questionnaire submitted, it emerged that 50% of the respondents were aged below 35 years, whereas the together half comprises of individuals aged 35 years and above. Additionally, half to the respondents were of a different gender for gender parity. Considering that the residential area where this survey was carried out comprise predominantly of two ethnic groups, the submitted questionnaires reflected an equal representation for both ethnicities.
From the questionnaire, a majority of the young respondents (35 years and below) indicated that their age was one of the main factors that determined their financial situation. It is important to note that the response, in this case, cut across the ethnic divide. Additionally, 75% of the respondents aged 35, and below stated that they felt excluded and unable to participate in various social activities and opportunities owing to their age. This result is in line with the hypothesis that identifies age as a factor that leads to social exclusion.
On ethnicity, 95 of the respondents from one of the ethnic groups identified it as being a causative factor for their current financial situation. Further, these respondents perceived their ethnicity to be a major hindrance to the attainment of the various opportunities present in society. However, a greater proportion of the respondents from the other ethnicity did not view ethnicity as g-being a key factor in determining their finances. It is important to note that all the participants from one ethnic group, regardless of age, identified their ethnicity as being a major cause for the feeling of exclusion that they faced in society.
Although the participants in this study were selected to ensure gender parity, the results of the study did not reflect this aspect. On the one hand, approximately 95 percent of the female respondents identified their gender as one of the factors that greatly affected their financial status. Coincidentally, although most of the male respondents did not identify gender as a factor that determined their financial status, 95% of them pointed out that they felt excluded from some of the opportunities present in their society because of their gender.
From the data gathered from the questionnaire, it became evident that 65% of members from ethnic group 1 aged under the age of 35 did not have jobs either permanently or part-time. However, their peers from the other ethnic community 2 registered a figure of 75% being in emp0loyement. Similarly, in terms of residence, members of ethnic community 1 pointed out that their living conditions were poor as compared to those of the other ethnic community. In terms of marital status, members from ethnic community 1 had low marriage rates as compared to those of ethnic group 2.
Analysis
From the results of this survey, it is evident that age is an important factor in determining the rates of social exclusion. Judging by the financial situation of the majority of individuals from the 35 and below age group across the ethnic divide, it is evident that due to their age, they experience social exclusion, which hinders their financial capabilities. From this information, it is evident that an individual’s age is one factor in social exclusion.
From the data, ethnicity is also identified as a factor in social exclusion and which precipitates into an increased tendency of the affected party to be affected financially. Lastly, from the data collected, it is evident that gender is an important factor in deterring social exclusion as well as the poverty rate of individuals.
Conclusion
The findings of this research study clearly identify gender, ethnicity, and age as factors that determine social exclusion, as stated in the hypothesis. Besides, the research also illuminates the relationship between social exclusion and poverty.
References
Bayram, N., Aytac, S., Aytac, M., Sam, N., & Bilgel, N. (2012). Poverty, social exclusion, and life satisfaction: A study from Turkey. Journal of Poverty, 16 (4), 375–391. https://doi.org/10.1080/10875549.2012.720656
Pathak, V., Jena, B., & Kalra, S. (2013). Qualitative research. Perspectives in Clinical Research , 4 (3), 192. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-3485.115389 ·
Patten, M. L. (2016). Questionnaire research: A practical guide (4th edition) . Routledge.
Raffo, C., & Reeves, M. (2000). Youth transitions and social exclusion: developments in social capital theory. Journal of Youth Studies, 3 (2), 147-166. https://doi.org/10.1080/713684372
