Poverty Cycle

The cycle of poverty has been described as a phenomenon where poor families become trapped in poverty for generations.

Because they have no or limited access to critical recourses, such as

·         educational and

·         financial services

Subsequent generations are impoverished.

There are multiple cycles of poverty-based on, among other things.

·         economic,

·         Social,

·         spiritual and

·         geographical factors

Many cycles overlap or perpetuate new cycles and therefore any attempt to depict the cycle of poverty will be far more simplistic than realistic.

The figure below shows –in every simplistic terms- how a cycle of poverty related to hunger keeps a person or household poor in one of the world’s developing countries.

Poverty

Poverty is the struggle for survival without anything. It means you have no access to clean water or medical help, no food, no shelter, no education, no job, no power and no hope. National poverty is when a whole country does not have enough of the resources needed for human survival, and is often defined by region, age or social group.

Absolute poverty measures the number of people living below certain income threshold or the number of households unable to afford certain basic goods and services.

Relative poverty measures the extent to which a household’s financial resources falls below an average income threshold for the economy. Although living standards and real incomes have grown because of higher employment and sustained economic growth over recent years, the gains in income and wealth have been unevenly distributed across the population.

Social Justice- Catholic Themes (part two)

 

 Rights and Responsibilities-

A healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Everyone has the right to take upon those things that are needed to gain human decency, including:

•  food
• shelter
•  clothing
•  employment
•  health care
•  education

 Regarding these rights are responsabilitities that should be shown to one another, family and the larger society.

Role of Government-

The State has a moral function, that is the duty to promote human dignity, protect human rights, and build the common good. All people have the right and responsibility to participate in political issues in order to achieve these goals.

Economic Justice-

The economy have the duty to serve people and all workers have the right to productive work, fair wages, and safe working conditions. People have a right to economic initiative and private property although no one is allowed to amass excessive wealth when others lack the basic necessities of life.

Stewardship of God’s Creation-

God’s gifts and goods of the earth are intended to benefit everyone and he has given us the responsibility to care for these goods as stewards rather consumers and users. How we treat the environment reflects on the respect that we have for our creator.

Promotion of peace and Disarmament –

Cathoic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action-oriented concept and it is understood that “Peace is not just the absence of war. It involves mutual respect and confidence...” Pope John Paul II. Peace is the fruit of justice and is dependent upon human beings.

Participation-

All people have the right to participate in the economic, political and cultural aspects of social life. All people should be assured a minimum level of participation in the community due to a demand.

Global Solidarity and Development-

We are one family. Our responsibilities to each other cross national, racial, economic and ideological differences and we are called to work globally for justice and development must respect the rights of all human beings.

Social Justice- Catholic Themes (part one)

Social justice-

Social Justice concerns itself with our responsibility to ensure that all people are given a ‘Fair go’.

Some issues that social justice aims to convert to are;

-Poverty

-Child Labour

-Refuges

-Homelessness

-Hunger

Dignity of the human person-

Dignity:  Human dignity is the foundation of catholic social teaching.

Question:  In your own words, explain what is meant by human dignity.

-Human dignity is the self right and respect of each individual.

Common Good and Community-

Humans are sacred and social (we each have a sense of value and are valued by those around us). We live and achieve together, and all humans must be valued in the wider community.

Option for the Poor-

Society must consider and help the poor, governments especially must help the poor.

Community-

Questions:

1)      Give an example of a community that you are part of

- School community (Stella Maris)

-Local community

-friendship community

-Dancing community

2)        How is this community both sacred (special) and social?

-To feel like you belong to something and to have strong relationship that build within these communities.

3) What is a major test of a moral society?

-Democratic society

-Attention to the poor/ special needs

-Equal distribution of wealth

4) In what way does our community look after the poor?

 -Donations/ the dole (social security)

-Public housing

Water

Water is vital for survival. It is needed to maintain a good health and prevent diseases and illnesses. Once affected by these diseases people may be unable to attend school or work, where they need the money to obtain the necessities of life. Water is also needed to grow crops and food and to keep the land thriving. Exclusion from water and sanitation services is a

violation of the human right to water.

In the next 2 decades, it is estimated that a 40% increase on water use will occur, and that 2 thirds of the worlds population will be struggling to get the amount of water they need by 2025.

Water related diseases around the world are increasing and may be caused by:

• drinking water in which is contaminated by human or animal waste or insects which breed in water.
• Injuries are also formed through women and children who often suffer neck, knee and shoulder injuries or long term spinal damage from carting water long distances in countries such as Africa.

The Australian government's aid program aims to reduce poverty and raise living standards in developing countries. Their work promotes two main focuses including:

• Water governance – managing the sustainable use of water
• Delivery systems – improving the efficiency of existing water systems while increasing the access to water and sanitation services

Australia's approach to creating a sustainable water supply for countries in poverty has been to involve local communities in project design as well as providing projects that serve in broadening the communities knowledge of sanitation and maintenance skills.

 Community involvement, including the roles of women and men focuses on the real needs of communities and builds skills, understanding and commitment which will assist long-term maintenance of services.

Lady Justice

The time-honored symbol of justice in the West is the Lady of Justice (adapted from Greek and Roman mythology) depicted as a blind-folded woman with a scale in one hand and a sword in the other.
This stands for equaliy in the dispension of justice without favor or prejudice.

Blindfold

Lady Justice is often seen wearing a blindfold, representing objectivity, and the justice recognised in those who do not judge others for their identity, money, power, or weakness.

Scale

The scale that lady justice holds symbolises equality and a fair balance for all. It shows an even weight on each side of the scale, showing the justice which should be recognised upon all.

Sword

The sword signifies the power that is held by those making the decision. It may also be seen as a sign of punishment for those who misjudge others and show injustice throught their actions.

Introduction to Social Justice



Child slavery


The protection of the rights of human beings, irrespective of:

• Race
• Colour
• Creed (Religion)
• Nationality
• Language

These are central to any conception of justice.

Justice can be defined as;


Poverty



    'The morally correct state of persons and their affairs.'

From a practical point of view, justice demands:

• Equality
• Objectivity
• Fair dealing