élhelyszegénység

The term élhelyszegénység, originating from Hungarian, directly translates to "place poverty" or "housing poverty." It describes a specific type of poverty where individuals or households lack adequate or appropriate housing. This goes beyond simple homelessness and encompasses situations where a dwelling exists but is substandard, overcrowded, unsafe, unhealthy, or located in an area that severely limits access to essential services, employment, or social integration.

Élhelyszegénység can manifest in various forms. It includes living in dilapidated buildings with structural issues, lacking basic amenities like clean water or sanitation, or experiencing extreme overcrowding that compromises health and well-being. It can also refer to living in geographically isolated areas that make it difficult to access education, healthcare, or economic opportunities, effectively trapping individuals in a cycle of disadvantage due to their living circumstances.

The causes of élhelyszegénység are multifaceted and often interconnected. They can include economic factors such as low income and high housing costs, lack of affordable housing options, inadequate social housing policies, and unemployment. Social factors like discrimination, family breakdown, and social exclusion can also contribute. Furthermore, urban planning decisions and the availability of infrastructure play a significant role in determining the quality and accessibility of housing in different areas. Addressing élhelyszegénység requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the immediate housing needs and the underlying socio-economic determinants.