Vähävaraisia

Vähävaraisia is a Finnish term used to refer to people or households with low income or limited financial resources. It is commonly found in public policy, social research, and journalism and is used to describe a socio-economic status rather than a fixed legal category. The term can encompass both income-based poverty and material deprivation, depending on the context and the indicators used.

In statistical and policy contexts, poverty or vulnerability is typically understood through relative income measures and deprivation indicators. A widely used approach defines individuals as at risk of poverty when their income is below a threshold relative to the median income, often around 60 percent of the median, with adjustments for household size. EU-wide data collections, such as EU-SILC, combine income data with indicators of material deprivation to identify groups that face challenges in meeting basic needs and participating in ordinary living standards.

Policy significance in Finland stems from the country’s welfare system, which aims to reduce poverty through income security programs, including unemployment benefits, pensions, social assistance, housing support, and access to essential services. Efforts to address lack of resources for the “vähävaraisia” focus on increasing employment opportunities, stabilizing income, and improving access to affordable housing, healthcare, and other social services.

Language considerations note that while the term is common in formal discourse, it can carry stigma in everyday speech. Alternatives in specific contexts include phrases like matala tulotaso (low income level) or alhaisen tulotason ihmiset, chosen for sensitivity or precision.