Poverty Myths

CSM is running a special series this week on reducing global poverty.  The first article (of the 5 to be published this week) focuses on the myths of poverty reduction.  The six myths are:

  • its [poverty] an intractable problem
  • there are too many impoverished people to help
  • moral obligation is enough
  • if aid is good, more aid is better
  • globalization is hurting the poor
  • wealthy nations must work to reduce poverty everywhere

In regards to extreme poverty alleviation, the article notes a World Bank finding that the number of people living on less than $1 a day has declined by 400 million between 1981 and 2001. 

True, but the same World Bank study also shows that the number of people living on less than $2 a day has actually increased in the same period.  East Asia is the only region that saw the number of people in the less than $2/day category decline; there have been significant increases in other parts of the world, including Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, MENA, South Asia, and Sub Saharan Africa.  Africa, it seems, had the highest increase — a nearly 80% to 516 million people.  

In exploring the last myth, the author suggests focusing more on helping the countries at the very bottom of the development index, those who have the highest need.  Yet, much of the development approach lately has been to help countries that are moving in the direction of stronger governance, better anti-corruption climate, and more open economies.  How can you reconcile these differences between the proposed idea and the actual practice?

Published Date: March 10, 2008