Chudoba

Chudoba is a term used in Czech and Slovak to describe the state of lacking sufficient resources to meet basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, and health care. In discussions of poverty, it is common to distinguish between absolute poverty, which refers to subsistence below a fixed threshold, and relative poverty, which denotes living on income below a societal standard or median income.

Measurement and indicators vary by country and context. Absolute poverty uses a fixed income or consumption line, while relative poverty assesses how far a household’s resources fall short of the typical standard in a given society. Other measures include the at-risk-of-poverty rate and multidimensional poverty indices that incorporate education, health, and living standards. National poverty lines and European statistics are often used to monitor trends and inform policy.

Causes of chudoba are multifaceted and interconnected. They include unemployment and underemployment, low wages, weak social protection, health issues, disability, family size, limited education, discrimination, geographic disparities, and economic shocks. Structural changes in the economy, globalization, and housing markets can also influence poverty levels.

Impacts of poverty are extensive and affect health, nutrition, education, housing quality, and social participation. Poverty can become entrenched across generations, with disadvantaged groups experiencing higher risks and barriers to upward mobility.

Policy responses aim to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion. They typically encompass cash transfers, pensions, unemployment benefits, housing subsidies, access to affordable health care and education, and active labor market programs. In many countries, poverty reduction is pursued within broader frameworks that address inequality, economic development, and social protection.