Urban poverty is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people living in cities worldwide. As cities continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, the number of urban poor continues to rise, with large portions of the population living in conditions of extreme deprivation. The term "urban poverty" refers to the situation where individuals and families in urban areas experience a lack of access to basic resources, such as adequate housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Despite being situated in areas of economic activity and growth, urban poor populations face numerous challenges that contribute to their ongoing struggle for survival and upward mobility.
The growth of cities and urban centers has been accompanied by an increasing divide between the wealthy and the poor. While urban areas are often seen as hubs of opportunity, economic growth, and development, they also tend to highlight social and economic inequalities. Rapid urbanization, coupled with limited resources, leads to overcrowded slums, informal settlements, and a lack of infrastructure in many parts of cities. In such environments, the poor face challenges such as high unemployment rates, limited access to education, and poor healthcare services. These conditions create a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape.
In addition, the urban poor are often excluded from key economic and social systems that would help alleviate their poverty. The concentration of wealth in urban centers disproportionately benefits the middle and upper classes, while marginalized communities remain on the periphery, unable to fully participate in the economic, political, and social life of the city. This growing inequality between different social classes exacerbates poverty and leaves the urban poor trapped in a cycle of disadvantage.
