China is the world's most populous country with a population of 1.27 billion as of 2001. In efforts to make poverty reduction, in 2001, 5% of China's population lived below the national poverty line. Throughout the years, China's poverty level has been declining. Much of the decline in poverty in China was due to far-reaching processes of economic and social transition, but the economic growth was slower in Western China, leading to higher poverty rates. China's transition from a centrally planned to globalised market economy has helped reduce chronic poverty and disadvantages, but also created new forms of vulnerability and poverty. China's estimated 2009 population growth rate is .0655% and according to the CIA Factbook, their estimated population below the poverty line is 8%. The low poverty rate in China also is declining because corporations all over the world are donating money and their support to help ensure China's poverty rate continues to fall to lower levels. The rural areas, however, are where most of the poor people are located which is consistent with low levels of investment on infracture and education. In order to continue lowering the percentage of poverty in China, corporations and outside institutions will have to continue donating money and resources.
My new insights about poverty is that this is an issue that effects many people and nations. People nor their nation can be blamed for their predicament, but as early childhood professionals, we can join different organizationa and advocate to make poverty decline for not only our community, but for all families around the world. When families have access to good, supporting jobs and available resources, they will have a better hope for future success.
References:
Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre. (CHIP). Retrieved from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/
China Internet Information Center. (2004). China Through A Lens. Retrieved from
http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/poverty/96682.htm
CIA Factbook. Retrieved from http://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/ch.html
Thanks for the information on poverty in China. I had a co-worker who was from the Philippines and she always talked about how bad the poverty was in rural areas, it sounds similar to China. When countries are making a change they need to look into the rural areas as well. This is also true for areas in the United States.
ReplyDeletePrimary factors that may lead to poverty include overpopulation, the unequal distribution of resources in the world economy, inability to meet high standards of living and costs of living, inadequate education and employment opportunities, environmental degradation, certain economic and demographic trends, and welfare incentives
ReplyDeleteI am happy that China is trying to fight poverty. With a population that size, I am amazed the poverty rate is not higher. Your comment about corporations from around the world helping them combat this surprises me. With just about every nation having some sort of poverty, I would hope that these corporations are sharing their resources with others to.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteYou provided some great information about China's poverty rate. One thing you mentioned in your post that we should fight poverty not only in our community, but around the world. You are absolutely correct, we as educators, should join organizations to help fight poverty for families and need.