Child Poverty: The Education Factor on the Axis of Cause, Consequence, and Solution

Abstract

Poverty is multidimensional and cannot be explained only by economic concepts; it refers to the individuals’ inability to benefit/being deprived of opportunities necessary to sustain their lives. Although it affects all individuals in society, it especially affects children in disadvantaged groups more deeply. The numerous adverse effects of poverty, which is a global problem, on children - from their health to their education, living on the streets, working/being forced to work, being dragged into crime, being neglected and abused, being excluded, etc. - are an indisputable reality. However, the good upbringing/education of children, who are the future/guarantee of societies, constitutes the driving force of individual and social development. Hence this study first addressed the concepts of poverty, child, and child poverty and then mentioned the causes of poverty/child poverty, thus trying to reveal the effects of poverty on children. Although poverty has numerous effects on children, a particular emphasis was placed on the education factor, which is both a cause, a consequence, and one of the important solutions to child poverty. The present research is a compilation study based on a literature review. Studies on the subject (articles, theses, books, internet resources, legal regulations, laws, etc.) were scanned, statistical data were reviewed and evaluated, and in the following process, the study was reported, and recommendations were presented.