One of the biggest distinctions between those living in rural poverty and those living in urban poverty is their race. Statistics show that those who live in rural poverty are predominately white while those living in urban poverty are more racially mixed consisting of Latin Americans, African Americans, and many other races. Rural poverty is a huge problem in many Latin American countries. However, Latin America is not the only place experiencing rural poverty. Rural poverty is evident in many developing countries and some more developed countries like the United States. Another differing characteristic between rural and urban poverty is their location. Rural poverty is experienced more in the countryside and outside of the city limits. Urban poverty is experienced more in the city. Currently, many believe, and the statistics do show, that rural poverty is more of a problem. However, many claim that as people begin to urbanize, which means they migrate more into the cities, that urban poverty will begin to increase while rural poverty declines. However, the problem of poverty will still exist in both forms in numerous places around world.
When it comes to poverty there are many issues that are extremely problematic. For instance, those living in urban poverty, most of the time, have a better access to sanitation systems, while those living in rural poverty have limited access. Also, there is an extreme difference in child mortality rates. Children living in urban poverty tend to have a longer life expectancy than children living in rural poverty. To put it simply those living in urban poverty seem to fare better than those living in rural poverty because those living in urban poverty have a more limited access to basic essentials needed to survive. Also, it is evident that there are more people living in poverty in rural areas than in urban areas.
One issue that is causing such a major problem for those living in poverty is education. People living in urban poverty experience a lack of education, but not to the same extent as those living in rural poverty. People in rural areas have restricted access to an education. Most times they have little to no access to an education mainly because there is either no school or no qualified teachers. Those living in rural poverty are located outside of cities; therefore, there access to schools is extremely limited. Those living in urban poverty may not have the best educational opportunities, but they have more access to an education than impoverished people in rural areas. They, sometimes, can receive an education, however, their dropout rates are extremely high, and the chances of them going to college are very slim. Those living in urban areas are more likely to get more education than those in rural areas; however, it is by no means a full, twelve year, education.
Another huge problem for those living in poverty is unemployment. Unemployment rates for those living in rural poverty are slightly worse than in urban areas. Again, those in rural areas do not have many employment opportunities within a reasonable traveling distance around them. Therefore, they may have to travel farther to pursue job opportunities. The problem with having to travel to find jobs is they may not have the resources to travel, therefore, they will likely remain unemployed and in poverty until more job opportunities become available closer to them. Unemployment rates for those living in urban poverty are a problem but not to the same extent and not for the same reasons. Those who are unemployed in urban areas may remain unemployed because they have little or no education. They also may not have the qualifications necessary to perform a certain job that would be required of them. The problem of education and unemployment for those living in urban and rural poverty are correlated. Access to a better education would lead to lower unemployment rates, which would in turn reduce the poverty levels. However, without a better education there will be no chance at a reasonable job opportunity.
The problems that those living in rural poverty face may not be problems for those living in urban poverty and vice versa. However, I do believe the problem of rural poverty is far worse than urban poverty mainly because rural poverty is not in the city; therefore, your opportunities to better your life are far more limited. Any way you look at it, whatever form of poverty it is, they are all the same. Those living in poverty do not have the essentials required to live a healthy, prosperous life.
Labels: GLR #4
posted by Kelly Wiley @ 2:08 PM
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