Tuesday, August 27th, 2024
Author: George Lmangeyan.
Country: Kenya
Source: A class in progress at the Eastern side of Lake Turkana. Photo/Duncan Ndotono. www.the-star.co.ke/news/2019-08-29-marginalised-counties-communities-getting-worse-isolated--cra/ |
SUMMARY
Marginalization and poverty are deeply intertwined, with each reinforcing the other in a cycle of social and economic exclusion posing significant challenges to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goals of eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities.
Through a period as a victim and later as an employee, I was able to learn much about poverty and exclusion. It allowed my prior experience to become even more deeply intertwined with the systemic issues and extended information regarding these complexities, which highlighted some uncovered root causes, and the impact on individuals and communities all over and provided some insight for recommendations.
BACKGROUND
Introduction
According to Hall et al. (1994), marginalization "involves the systematic exclusion of certain groups from full participation in social, economic, and political life. The World Bank defines poverty as "pronounced deprivation in well-being," encompassing not just a lack of income, but also the inability to access opportunities that are necessary for a decent standard of living (World Bank, 2000).
The relationship between marginalization and poverty is complex and multifaceted, with each reinforcing the other in a vicious cycle pushing groups or individuals to the edges of society, putting some limitation on their access to resources and opportunities available to others.
Being born and raised in one of the remotest places in northern Kenya, a village that time seemed to have forgotten reminded me of the reciprocal link between poverty and marginality. Growing up in a region plagued by conflict, I know the struggles and the dangers associated with such an unforgiving environment.
Going through such events, seizing the chance to get a proper education, and returning to work in the environment where I grew up led me to start seeking answers to some obvious yet unanswered questions.
What fascinates me the most is how life finds a way through resilience, adaptability, and hope. Having all that tough experience and comprehensive knowledge, I came to understand that marginalization was not only a symptom of poverty; it also contributed to creating more poverty.
We were engaging a group that was typically served poorly by social services and educational programming, only to be made more marginalized. That lack of support has a direct correlation to impoverished citizens who continue to stay in poverty because they lack the materials and human resources necessary for more stable forms of assistance.
My experience working with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on reducing poverty through literacy-driven projects, reminded me of the reciprocal link between poverty and marginality. It was apparent that poverty-alleviation strategies had to include empowering marginalized social groups so they could access the tools and opportunities necessary for full participation in society. Instead, lessening marginalization requires ameliorating poverty at its source: by guaranteeing everyone the substantial means they need for a decent life.
Causes of Marginalization and Poverty
Economic Impact: Socially, culturally, and economically marginalized people are frequently displaced by poverty fostered through systemic discrimination against their economic interests.
It is people who are harassed, devalued, and discriminated against when it comes to employment and wage because they belong to a race, age sex, or have some type of disability. Marginalized individuals find it hard when it comes to securing well-paying jobs, which in turn keeps them in poverty. The intensity of these aspects spills over to urban areas, becoming evident in the rise and expansion of slums as well as increased homelessness.
Limited access to resources: Poverty can compound marginalization. Those living in poverty, for example, face barriers to education and healthcare that are essential if they wish to prosper. A lack of access can help in solidifying these groups as marginalized.
Social Exclusion: Societal norms that dictate what is considered "normal" can exclude individuals who do not conform, leading to their marginalization. The underprivileged might have fewer social networks which can jeopardize their job, welfare, and elevation prospects.
Political and Legal Structures: due to lack of representation marginalized groups often have limited political representation, which can result in policies and laws that do not address their specific needs. Legal Exclusion, in some cases, laws and policies explicitly or implicitly exclude certain groups, such as those related to immigration status or disability.
Historical Context: these include Colonialism, Imperialism, and historical discrimination. Historical injustices, such as colonialism, have long-term effects on marginalized groups, often leading to persistent inequalities. Past discrimination against certain groups, such as indigenous peoples or ethnic minorities, can have lasting impacts on their social and economic status.
Geographical Factors: Rural vs. Urban, People living in rural or remote areas may face marginalization due to some difficulties when it comes to access to services and opportunities compared to urban residents.
For instance, Girls, especially in rural areas, may face barriers to education due to traditional gender roles and economic constraints. This contributes to lower literacy rates and limited economic opportunities for women On the other hand Regional Disparities can be seen in the economic and social disparities between regions can contribute to the marginalization of individuals in less affluent or underserved areas.
Recommendations
From my own experience, I would suggest the following strategies to deal with how poverty and marginalization are part of a network:
The dedicated investment in education: Governments and NGO's create efforts to invest money in infrastructure, quality teachers, and many others. for schools especially the places where children are less expected to go because they face harassment. This includes access to educational resources, trained teachers, and a safe learning environment.
Economic Empowerment Programs: Job creation is one of the most direct ways to economically empower marginalized populations because creating jobs offers people immediately a place in society and all that it brings. This would go a long way in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Social Policies Should be Inclusive: Ensure social policies are not only designed but also implemented to include marginalized communities in programs and services. This might include identifying high-impact targets for outreach and additional programs that can target the specific needs of these populations.
Community Engagement: This is one of the main ways that community members can be involved and advocate for themselves. That can be one effective way to lessen social isolation and nurture areas that have been neglected for far too long.
Conclusion
The first-hand glimpses afforded through the community projects enriched my understanding that poverty and marginalization have a vicious cycle. The approach to tackling one of these issues without considering other aspects would produce a modest solution. Addressing poverty and marginalization at its core requires a diverse approach, which provides long-term sustainability to the affected.
We must break the generational cycle of poverty and marginalization by addressing structural deficits that perpetuate inequality such as education, economic empowerment, inclusive policies, and community engagement to empower individuals and communities for dignified existence.
REFERENCES
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Stiftung,F.E.(2012, March). Regional disparities and marginalization in Kenya. https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/kenia/09859.pdf
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