Is There Any Country in the World That Would Become Poverty-Free?

The question of whether there are any countries in the world that have achieved a state of poverty-free existence is complex and multifaceted. While some countries and regions have made remarkable strides in reducing poverty, achieving a complete state of poverty eradication is a challenging and lengthy process that requires sustained effort, productivity, and societal contributions from all citizens.

The Context of Poverty-Free Countries

There are certain countries that, in an absolute sense, have already achieved a state of poverty-free status. However, this status is often deliberately maintained for various reasons. In some cases, certain circles within society deliberately keep poverty alive because they benefit from it in various ways. This can be a conscious decision to perpetuate a certain social or economic structure.

Global Trends in Poverty Reduction

Despite the existence of poverty, there is a growing trend of global economic growth and reduced income disparities in many nations. Wages have increased across the board, with the exception of a few vulnerable clusters, either due to inconsistent water availability for agriculture or unstable economic conditions. Additionally, the mechanization of jobs means that labor is required for fewer hours, allowing people to engage in more productive activities for higher earnings.

Barriers to Achieving Poverty-Free Status

Despite the positive trends, several barriers prevent some countries and individuals from achieving and sustaining a state of poverty-free existence. These include:

Suboptimal Lifestyle Choices

Some individuals struggle to retain their income due to lifestyle choices such as:

Indulging in hard drink, smoking, and drug use

Spending money too early on special haircuts, tattoos, body piercings, and partying with friends, relatives, or neighbors

Neglect of Healthcare

A lack of care for health check-ups and regular medical tests results in individuals being suddenly exposed to life-threatening or chronic diseases, often due to the neglect of their well-being.

Failure to Continue Working Post-Retirement

Even individuals who retire at 60 years of age and are still capable of performing and retaining their expertise, often do not find meaningful work. This leads to idleness and a decrease in wealth generation.

Inheritance of Wealth and Idleness

Idle behavior due to inherited wealth also contributes to a lack of poverty-free status. Some individuals, despite being financially stable, choose to remain idle, which hampers economic growth and perpetuates economic disparities.

Conclusion

While it is true that the gap in income and wealth among humans is a God-given phenomenon and will likely persist as long as humans inhabit the earth, the world is making significant progress in reducing poverty. However, achieving a complete state of poverty-free status is a multifaceted challenge that requires addressing both macroeconomics and individual behaviors. By addressing these barriers and promoting sustainable development, it is possible to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty in many parts of the world.

Key terms:

poverty-free

global poverty

economic inequality