Essay on Extreme Poverty

Poverty is the absence of resources, possessions or money. Relative poverty can be defined as the economic status by comparison to a higher economic status within a given country or society. In the United States, a family is below the poverty line if the family of four has an annual income of $22,000 or less. Extreme, or absolute poverty, can be defined as the destitution of resources to achieve basic human needs. According to the World Bank and the United Nations, people of this poverty level earn less than $1.25 per day, and do not have access to basic human needs or facilities.
In his talks about absolute poverty with the Carnegie Council, Peter Singer argues that if “you are in a position to help them [then] that’s what you are to do.” Singer proposes that if we are to provide aide to those who are impoverished, then we should do so for those who are within the absolute poverty range. Based on the United States poverty level, he maintains that it would cost several thousand dollars to make any lasting impact on that family’s life. Alternatively, he states that we should provide aide to those who are in absolute poverty, as to make a life changing impact on their lives it would be the equivalent of spending money on an expensive pair of shoes. A contribution to the tone of three, four or five hundred dollars would greatly change the life of a person who is in a setting of absolute poverty.
During Singer’s interview with the Council, he did not mention anything regarding a person having a good life, or a happy life. In terms of poverty, relative poverty is also used to describe a person’s social inequality, and lacking social standing and overall happiness. Absolute poverty doesn’t account for the social aspects of life. If, according to Singer, we should contribute our financial resources to help those in absolute poverty, then it would be fair to say that we also should address their needs for a good, happy life.
It is difficult to determine the best way to achieve a good life, and whom that good life would be best for. A good life for one person may not be a good life for another person. Relatively speaking, someone earning a middle class income in the United States may say they have a good life, or will have a good life if they are earning more money, or have nicer things, or to have less debt. Those living in absolute poverty may say that a good life would be one where they were not worrying where their next meal came from, or if the water was safe to drink. Certainly, no one living in absolute poverty would say they have a good life in their present situation, without access to the most basic human needs. The person in absolute poverty may only achieve a good life if their desire for a safer, more secure life were met.
Those living in absolute poverty do not generally have access to safe drinking water, reliable food sources, shelter from the elements, or healthcare when they are ill. In general, all humans have the most basic desires to be able to provide for themselves and their families. If a person and their family were living in absolute poverty, then they would not be able to provide any of these basic human needs. Then, if they are unable to provide these needs, they would be unable to achieve satisfaction in their lives, therefore lending to an unhappy life. They are struggling to find food, drinking contaminated water, unprotected from the elements and without any access to healthcare. These basic needs are required for humans to live, and without them, they wouldn’t be able to have a good life.
If the ability to meet basic human needs is not present, then surely a person cannot have a good life. This can’t possibly be true for all people. Regardless of the level of poverty a person may encounter in their life, there will always be someone who will insist their life is a good life, regardless of their circumstances. Poverty may be a deciding factor in a person’s lifestyle, or overall wellbeing, but it does not have to determine their level of happiness or if they have a good life. They may be able to make the best of whatever circumstances they find themselves in, and end up having a better life than someone who has all of their needs provided for.
Unfortunately, without having basic human needs taken care of, there is no possibility of having a good or happy life. If you are unable to eat, then you are unable to live. If you find yourself drinking contaminated water, while the effect may not be immediate, you will find yourself ill. Unable to find or afford appropriate treatment for your illness, you will die from it. Above all else, humans need safe food and water. Once the required food and water are found, a safe place for shelter and treatment for illnesses will need to be provided to ensure safe and secure living can be achieved. Before being able to strive for a good and happy life, humans must first be able to live.
In a perfect world, no one would be impoverished. No person would wonder where their next meal came from, if they will have a house next month, or worry about their health. In a perfect world, everyone would have safe food and water, a home, healthcare and access to education and information. All humans would be able to find their own sort of happiness without worrying about meeting their basic needs. Sadly, we do not live in a perfect world. Millions of people die every day because they do not have clean food or water, healthcare or safe housing. We can’t be expected to give to those in need until our basic needs are met. After we’ve met our own needs, we should do everything we can to help our fellow humans meet theirs.