Kulutussieltä

Kulutussieltä is a Finnish term that translates to "consumption poverty" or "poverty of consumption." It refers to a situation where individuals or households have sufficient income to meet basic subsistence needs, such as food and shelter, but lack the resources to participate in society or maintain a standard of living that is considered normal or acceptable within their community. This concept goes beyond mere material deprivation and encompasses social exclusion, limited opportunities, and the inability to afford non-essential goods and services that are commonplace.

The Finnish social welfare system aims to prevent this type of poverty by providing a social safety net that includes various benefits and services. However, even with these provisions, some individuals may find themselves in kulutussieltä due to factors such as low wages, high living costs in certain areas, or unexpected expenses. It highlights the challenge of defining poverty solely by income, as social participation and the ability to afford a certain level of consumption are also crucial indicators of well-being. The concept emphasizes that true poverty can exist even when basic survival needs are met, if it prevents individuals from fully engaging with and belonging to their society.