Poverty is a very debatable topic and thus does not have any definite definition. It is a state when people cannot afford necessities of life like food and shelter. Poverty forces not only the adults but also the children to make sacrifices.
The causes of poverty are complicated. There is the first stereotype cause that the poor people cause their own poverty. Theorists often accuse the poor that they do not try enough. They say that poor people do not think of the future and spend all their earnings in the present. A much realistic cause of poverty in children is the lack of opportunities and education. The parents are working at minimum wage, and they do not have the skills for high paying job.
This cycle of poverty keeps on repeating because children of poor do not gain the education and skills required for better paying jobs. Statistics shows that if there are more than three children in the household, then also there is a chance of insufficient funds. This is because of the constant increase in living costs. In addition, if there is a disabled child in the family, then the extra medical bills are sure to drag children into childhood poverty. They remain unacceptable in society due to adult poverty, lack of government policies, lack of education, disabilities and even discrimination.
The effects of poverty in children are very negative. Children born in poor households have a relatively low birth weight. This increases the children’s risk of mental as well as physical disabilities. Children are absent from school more often due to illness. This way the children’s education is affected and the cycle of poverty is complete.
Kids born in poverty-stricken households tend to be more violent. Millions of children steal, bully and commit crimes due to insufficient funds in the family. Their health, careers and life are at a great risk. It is a huge achievement to climb out of poverty. However, because of its self-perpetuating nature, it is often hard to free yourself from the shackles of poverty.
Works Cited
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT. Causes and Effects of Poverty. 2013. 25 Janauray 2014 <http://www.cliffsnotes.com/sciences/sociology/social-and-global-stratification/causes-and-effects-of-poverty>.
Barnardo's. What causes child poverty? 2014. 25 January 2014 <http://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/our_projects/child_poverty/child_poverty_what_is_poverty/what_causes_child_poverty.htm>.
