Poverty traps are self-reinforcing mechanisms that cause poverty to persist, making it difficult for individuals or communities to escape without external intervention. They often result from a combination of economic, social, and institutional factors that limit access to resources and opportunities needed for upward mobility.

Poverty Traps

Self-reinforcing mechanisms are processes where an initial action or event leads to outcomes that further promote the same action, creating a cycle of amplification. These mechanisms are crucial in understanding phenomena such as economic growth, technological adoption, and social behaviors where positive feedback loops can lead to significant and sometimes unexpected changes over time.

Self-Reinforcing Mechanisms

Economic factors are the various elements that influence the performance and structure of an economy, affecting how resources are distributed and consumed. These factors include elements such as inflation, interest rates, employment levels, and government policies, which collectively shape the economic environment and impact business decisions and consumer behavior.

Economic Factors

Social factors encompass the societal influences that shape individuals' behaviors, attitudes, and opportunities, including cultural norms, social networks, and economic conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial for analyzing how they impact health, education, and social mobility across different communities.

Social Factors

Institutional Factors

Access to resources refers to the ability of individuals or groups to obtain and utilize necessary materials, services, or opportunities for their well-being and development. It is a critical factor in determining social equity, economic growth, and sustainable development, influencing the distribution of wealth and power within societies.

Access To Resources

Opportunities for upward mobility

External intervention refers to the involvement of an external entity, such as a state, organization, or coalition, in the internal affairs of another state or region, often to influence outcomes in conflicts, governance, or humanitarian crises. It can be driven by strategic interests, humanitarian concerns, or international obligations and may have complex impacts on sovereignty, stability, and international relations.

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