Poverty: The Impact on the
Individual
Donna Carney
Liberty University
Introduction
Poverty is the lack of or inadequate supply of sustenance that meet one’s need for
survival.
People fall into poverty for several reasons; lost of job, death of the head of
household, illness, low wages just to name a few.
Poverty is extremely relevant to the field of human development as it
demonstrates how the scarcity of basic survival needs if not met could lead to
brain malfunctions, mental health issues, homelessness, drug abuse, violence,
poor academic performances and death. .
(
Developmental Impact
There are no age limits as to how and what impact poverty
has on the human being.
It can start as early as in the womb through adulthood.
A pregnant mother who is deprived of proper nourishment
and medical care can cause the unborn child to develop
some cognitive, physical setbacks, premature delivery or
even death.
The development of the infant’s brain start with the right
nutrition, proper medical care, rest and avoidance of stress.
Developmental Impact
A child’s home is usually the first place that prepares him
/her for their educational environment (Ferguson,Bovaird &
Mueller , 2007)(.
We all have a moral obligation to each other. From time to
time, there are homeless people are look down one because
of their appearance or even their body odor, they may have
no control over their circumstances.
The involvement all citizens are needed to tackle and
eradicate this terrible condition that is plaguing society. It is
often said that Christians have a moral obligation to help
those in need, regardless of ones biblical worldview if each
person help another it can lighten the burden of the human
service providers. (Lotter, 2017)(
Developmental Impact
Broderick & Blewit (2015)( suggest that proper
nutritional sustenance during and after
gestation will counteract compromise on the
infant’s genetic social, and emotional well being.
The development of the brain has a slower
progression in children of family who are
nourishment deprived. (
(
Developmental Impact
•Poverty can be emotionally destructive, having
to worry about meeting the basic survival needs
for ones self and their family, feeling hopeless
as her takes on this daunting task.
• Without awareness of the psychosocial side of
poverty, society has little or no comprehension
of day-to-day effects. Society can easily ignore
the challenges that intensely create the
occurrence and consequential emotions of an
individual in poverty (Jo, 2013)(. (
Clients awareness
Poverty impact the environment in many way
such as:
Healthcare
Violence
Addiction
Homelessness
Clients Awareness
Poverty impact ones family:
Financially
Mentally
Spiritually
Clients awareness
Strategies to deal with this issue
Don’t blame society, seek help
Openly talk about condition
Be willing to make changes
Find a way to relieve the everyday stressor of
the condition
Reach out to church and community leaders
Client Awareness
Getting Financial Counseling
Learn a new skill
Higher education
Relocating to other area that are more
financially stable
Visit the local Social service Department
Client Awareness Cont.
Impact on the family
•Stress
•Health issues
•Generational dysfunctions
•Shame
•Guilt
Faith and Professional
Perspective
In Matthew 25:40, scripture referenced that the action of helping others
reflects doing it unto Christ. Making a more vivid argument about the core
values of Christianity may help one understand that if some one lives in
poverty, it could hinder their spiritual growth
. Poverty postures unusual encounters to individuals with unwavering
promise to Christian principles. God is represented in the holy book as one
who demonstrates his unconditional love for people who are the helpless,
feeble, and disregarded. (Lotter, 2007)
Being reminded daily through scriptures that, we should bear each other’s
burden, demonstrates the Christ like traits that Christian should possess.(
There are many stories in the bible that illustrates the true meaning of
human services, however the two that stood out are (1) The Good Samaritan
(2) Lazarus and the rich man. As referenced in Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke
16:19-31,the stories depict one person who offered help to a stranger and
the other person who had abundance in wealth and had no human
compassion on a beggar. Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will
also cry out(and not be answered. Proverbs 21: 13(NIV()
(
Faith and Professional
Perspective Cont.
The lack of basic necessities needed for survival can
impair a spiritual development.
Compassion and empathy is need to fulfill the role of a
human service provider. It is crucial that human services
providers are there to help assisting those who are in
poverty, not being judgmental and show people they care.
People have not chosen to live in poverty, maybe some
could be more proactive in seeking help but the truth of
the matter is, most people become hopeless when there
are living in that condition. (Colossians 3:22-25, clearly
states our service unto mankind represent Christ and
should be done whole heartedly.
.
Resources
. Eric Jenson,”Teaching with Poverty in Mind: What Being Poor Does to Kids' Brains and What Schools Can Do
About It” http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/109074.aspx
Poverty contributes to a number of issues as it relates to the cognitive, social and biological influences of an
individual. Parents living in poverty often have to deal with the stigma and stress brought on by their situation
that could result in depression. The offspring themselves are also vulnerable to despair .The children born into
this unpleasant situation can lack motivation to academic success. They tend to be more frustrated as they try
to adapt to the school environment
11 Facts about Poverty and Education in America https
://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-education-and-poverty-americaives
Statistics have been given regarding the academic pitfalls associated with children living in poverty. The
comparison between different races supports the argument that no one is immune from this adverse
condition. Children from poor families lack motivation to pursue higher education, as they may have to
breadwinners to assist with financial obligations within the household. Poverty has contributed to
developmental delay in children it is evident when comparing those from low-income household vs normal
household.
(
(
Referral Services
Baltimore County Department of social service
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/socialservices/ index.html
This agency will assist with housing, food, community services, medical,
head start program, utilities, program and other low income family
needs.
• Community Assistance Network INC (CAN)
http://www.canconnecting.org/about- us
This program provides assistance to meet the needs of low income
family. It offer help in making the best financial decision for the
family’s household. It also provides help regarding education and job
placement.
References
Baltimore County Department of Social Services (2017) Retrieved from
http:// www.baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/socialservices/
index.html
Broderick, P.C., & Blewit, P. (2015). The Life Span: Human
Development for Helping Professionals( (4th ed.), Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson
Community Assistant Network (2017) Retrieved from
http://www.canconnects.org/about-us
Ferguson, H., Bovaird, S., & Mueller, M. (2007). The impact of
poverty on educational Outcomes for children.(Pediatrics &
Child
Health,(12(8), 701–706
Jo,Y.N.,(2013)Psycho-social dimensions of poverty. When poverty
becomes shameful
. Critical Social Policy, 33(3), 514-532
doi:10.1177/0261018313479008
(
