Power and Poverty: The Challenge of Global Inequality

The first role that an individual can play in fighting poverty is by engaging in charitable and philanthropic acts such as donations. By providing funds and basic needs for the poor, it becomes easier to assist and improve the lives of all the less fortunate. Secondly, the most likely way that an individual can fight poverty is through self-employment. Unemployment rates all over the world continue to hit a record high, and the situation remains the same even in developed countries. As a result, it is only through the utilization of individual talents, abilities, and business skills to create employment thus reducing the overdependence on the government (Satterthwaite, & Mitlin, 2013).The fight against poverty also requires an individual to invest in and advocate for education. It remains common knowledge that education provides individuals with an opportunity to make the most of their abilities and skills. It also shapes the professional life of an individual hence making them economically viable. 

Several social variables have a vital role in impacting poverty rates across the world. Race and racism have for instance played a significant role in causing poverty due to the systematic discrimination and prejudice directed to people of color especially in the United States. Such individuals are denied equal opportunities in fundamental areas such as education thus limiting their abilities. Class and classism have created a capitalist society where a few individuals accumulate wealth through monopoly with the majority reduced to consumers and laborers. As such, this leads to exploitation which subsequently results in poverty. Gender has also played a significant role in impacting poverty. In many countries, the wage gap has most negatively affected women most of whom receive only 70% to 80% of what the male counterparts earn (Hagenaars, 2014). Gender inequalities in employment have also meant that women have had to contend with less paying jobs compared to men thus leading to poverty. 

Reference 

Hagenaars, A. J. (2014).  The perception of poverty  (Vol. 156). Elsevier. 

Satterthwaite, D., & Mitlin, D. (Eds.). (2013).  Empowering Squatter Citizen:" Local Government, Civil Society, and Urban Poverty Reduction ." Routledge.