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What is a poverty trap and how to get out of it
23.08.2024 20:15
Living paycheck to paycheck, a hated job, a constant lack of money – all of this is familiar to many Russians.
This is not just difficult life circumstances, but an economic phenomenon when people do not see the point in making efforts to improve their financial situation, and often their children, and then grandchildren, become hostages of this life.
This phenomenon is called the "poverty trap."
The Poverty Trap Phenomenon
In Western countries, the "poverty trap" is a phenomenon in which a person employed in a low-skilled position stops working in order to receive unemployment benefits, which may be slightly less than or equal to their salary.
Thus, entire layers of the population appear that live at the expense of taxpayers and make no contribution to the life of society.
In Russia, the “poverty trap” is more of a way of life that is passed down from generation to generation.
Parents who grow up in poverty, lack education and ambition, pass on erroneous principles to their children.
In families where poverty is passed down through generations, children who have barely finished school or college immediately go to work, choosing low-paid physical labor.
In the understanding of people who have fallen into the “poverty trap”, work is, as a rule, an activity that does not bring pleasure, and its main purpose is to feed the family and provide a roof over their heads.
Consequently, entire generations grow up in poverty with values based solely on the instinct for survival, with a complete lack of ambition and aspiration.
How We Get Trapped
The main problem of those who find themselves in a trap is poverty of consciousness. They believe that they cannot change anything in life, they are fine as is.
Their parents lived like that - and nothing, neighbors also count pennies and do not complain. People with a poor mindset do not see the point in getting a higher education, because they will have to study a lot, strain themselves, and then look for a job in a competitive environment. So, they prefer a job that does not require special skills and knowledge, and go to work hard for pennies.
Wrong ways to exit
Often, prisoners of poverty try to get out of their dire situation using radical methods: some take out loans, then even more loans to cover the previous ones, and end up in even greater debt than before.
However, it is still possible to break the “chains of poverty” without choosing risky paths.
How to get out of the trap
Stop settling for less and following your relatives. The world is full of opportunities, you just need to start doing it.
Try learning something new that you can enjoy. Take courses, trainings or seminars and you will discover many new things.
Don't stand in the way of your children's hobbies. Even if you think their hobby is stupid and pointless, don't stop them from doing what they like. Maybe one day it will bring them a big profit.
Don't expect your relatives to help you financially or for a huge inheritance to suddenly fall into your lap. Take responsibility for your well-being. Try looking for a new job or a part-time job - it won't hurt you.
There is always a way out of a difficult situation, especially if it concerns money. The main thing is to start acting.
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