Child Poverty in New Zealand - 1119 Words

Child poverty is a major and complex issue that New Zealand faces today. The degree is far more severe than the publics perception and it is a problem that we cannot afford to ignore. A combination of factors contributes to child poverty, from individual causes at the micro level to the macro collective government involvement. This occurs partly due to social construction and it is potentially avoidable. The consequences can impact on both individual and to a great extent affect significantly on the country as a whole. If the issue is not resolved, the inequality will continue, if not worsen and becomes an ongoing intergeneration cycle. The poor get poorer and poorer, children can easily fall into the poverty trap where it becomes†¦show more content†¦Socio-economic factors are widely acknowledged as important determinants of poverty. If an individual experiences adverse living conditions in childhood, majority of them will have inadequate income and result in low socio-econ omic status as adults (Carroll et al, 2011). Children born in poor households have difficulty in accessing the basic needs (e.g. food, clothing, and good living environment) and this can affect their learning ability at school, unable to focus. In other words, they have a higher chance of dropping out of school or lower education attainment, unable to provide appropriate qualifications when they move onto adulthood, seeking for job opportunities. These children are finding day-to-day life tough, they are living in cold, damp houses, do not have warm or rain-proof clothing, their shoes are worn, and many days they go hungry (Childrens Commissioner, 2012). Often this has taken place over a long period of time, impacting on their development, behaviour and physical health furthermore limiting their potential as they grow into adults. Unemployment or underemployment can cause significant household stressors; parent may feel incompetent to meet the basic needs for their children, unable to make ends with financial problems. Consequently, individual seek alcohol and drug as a way to escape their problems. This could lead to child abuse; children who suffer from this can develop emotional,Show MoreRelatedChild Poverty Is A Reality New Zealand Essay1463 Words   |  6 PagesChild Poverty is a reality New Zealand. An ongoing health issue in New Zealand is poverty in children. Children are now living without the basic necessities each day in summer and winter to protect against New Zealand weather conditions. General needs that most New Zealanders take advantage of such as shoes that cover and protect their feet, raincoats that keep them dry walking to school and sunblock to protect from cancer in the future, are lacking for children in poverty. 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