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Marginalisation of the Poor

Definition:

The poor often have the least influence and empowerment over their own lives.

People from all countries have equal rights to basic services such as health, education, water, sanitation and justice but often do not receive these services simply because they are poor. One World Action sees poverty as more than simply a lack of income – poor people can often be pushed aside by governments and even large companies because they have few rights and little ability to influence what happens to their own lives.

Why the situation occurs?

The poor often lack the involvement within society which will enable them to participate in the decision making processes that shape their own lives.

This situation occurs because poor people are trapped in a cycle of poverty. Their position within society often means that they have the least say in what goes on – if they have no home then they are unlikely to be entitled to a vote. If they have little education then they are not as able to formulate protests and arguments against the situation that they find themselves in. Mere survival is often the primary focus of the most very poor within society. This leaves them at the very edges of society, unable to do anything about the situation that they find themselves in and unlikely to know about how to change their situation.

Since those in poverty are the least vocal within society and others are unlikely to take on their cause then it is likely that the poor will stay marginalised and will be trapped within the cycle of poverty for generations to come - unless there is action creating awareness for this issue.

How you can make a difference:

Tackle the issue – help young people to learn about social marginalisation is and about the myths they believe to be true. Educate them to be more tolerant and to understand diversity.

Support those who may be marginalised and help to give them positive ways to tackle the issue.

Try to teach about empathy and to think of others before acting – our actions always have consequences.

Use the materials and tools provided to follow the process of:
1. Identify the problem
2. Develop Awareness and empathy
3. Take action
4. Measure the change

Resources and links:

One World Action is an organization working for a world free from poverty and oppression. Its website contains information on marginalization and how to tackle this:
http://www.oneworldaction.org

The United Nations CyberSchoolBus website contains information on this subject:
http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus

The Christian Aid website includes information on this subject:
http://www.christianaid.co.uk

The Make Poverty History Campaign: http://www.makepovertyhistory.org

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© World Organization of the Scout Movement - 2008

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