Poverty: History and Its Relevance From a Multicultural Perspective

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Part I
Poverty
Poverty is a worldwide issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. Poverty is a lack of resources, necessities, and opportunities to live a good life. It is not just a lack of money but also food, water, shelter, access to healthcare, education, and employment (Abiodun et al., 2019). Its ramifications are far-reaching and can influence individuals, society, and the economy. A complete understanding of its causes, consequences, and potential resolution is essential because poverty impedes human flourishing and social progress. Hence, this paper aims to explore poverty among American Indians, Alaska Natives, and adults with disabilities, its current state, and the various variables that may influence it.
History of Poverty
Poverty has been a constant issue throughout human history. It has historically been related to social hierarchies and economic systems – the upper classes control the resources while the lower classes struggle. Poverty was firmly linked to European feudalism during the medieval period, with most people living in poverty as peasants (Nigamaev et al., 2018). In the 18th century, significant changes occurred due to massive migration to industrial towns, which resulted in widespread poverty (Mohajan, 2019). In the colonial era, poverty was exacerbated by exploiting colonial resources and labor, resulting in economic exploitation and despair. These historical factors have impacted the character and breadth of poverty as it is known today.
Poverty in Marginalized Societies
Poverty Among American Indians and Alaskan Natives
Poverty among American Indians and Alaska Natives is an intricate issue that stems from historical injustices, social disparities, and the hardships marginalized communities face. For ages, the populace has been colonized, forcibly displaced, culturally oppressed, and conquerors have taken away their land and resources. These events caused them to be impoverished for generations (Pruitt, 2020). According to Empey et al. (2021), one out of three American Indian and Alaska Native individuals lived in poverty, with Alaska Natives experiencing a poverty rate of 10.5% (Statista Research Department, 2023). Poverty rates among Alaska Native children are exceptionally high at 13.5%. The remote and isolated nature of many Alaska Native communities compounds the problem, limiting their access to resources, services, and economic opportunities. Poverty is exacerbated further by regional variances within Alaska Native communities, with some locations seeing poverty rates much above the national average (Center for Poverty Progress, 2022). For instance, the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, which Alaska Natives primarily populate, has an astounding poverty rate of 23.7%. These localities have a low median household income and few economic opportunities (United States Census Bureau, 2023).
Poverty Among Adults with Disabilities
People with disabilities experience a disproportionate amount of poverty worldwide. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (n.d.), poverty rates for people with disabilities were much higher than those without disabilities in var...