Discrimination and Poverty

 

As noted above, poverty isn't simply related to income levels. In fact, there are a number of factors that can push people into or below the poverty line. Discrimination is just one of those issues. Put simply, people are prevented from living with and enjoying certain rights because of who they are. Here's why.

In some cases, governments may put certain laws and regulations that prevent certain individuals or communities from accessing services, such as healthcare, education, or social services. They may also be denied access to the labor market and/or housing, which can prevent them from reaching a suitable standard of living. In other cases, deep-rooted societal beliefs can isolate individuals, families, and entire communities.

Some of the most common groups of people who may experience this type of discrimination include (but aren't limited to):

• People living with HIV/AIDS
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
• Women, including single mothers
• Members of the LGBTQ+ community

According to statistics from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, 21% of gay men experience poverty while 23% of lesbians are affected. The school found that same-sex couples are more likely to live in poverty than other couples and children of LGBTQ+ couples are particularly vulnerable. Black same-sex couples are twice as likely to live in poverty than other Black couples.