The introduction
In my opinion, the definition of poverty is quite ambiguous. The term is associated with numerous aspects of life. For instance, Arturo Escobar is of the opinion that “almost all the definitions given to the word are woven around the concept of lack or deficiency (21). I fully agree with the opinion; however, I suppose that the term is mostly associated with Asia and Africa.
In other words, poverty is recognized as one of the most important social problems. In the forties, the issue was transformed into an organizing concept. For me, in general, poverty is a lack of financial, material and, moreover, moral values, knowledge and chances.
Generally, the issue of poverty requires in-depth studies. In my opinion, there is a necessity to compare the term with its opposite unit in order to understand the concept of poverty and its constituents. So, according to Escobar, “the poor were defined as lacking what the rich had in terms of money and material possessions, poor countries came to be similarly defined in relation to the standards of wealth of the more economically advantaged nations” (23).
The thesis statement
I think that poverty is not only financial, economic problem, therefore, the economic model of “rich” developed countries cannot be appropriate for all societies in the worlds due to the different aspect such as mentality, traditions and the level of development of the particular nation.
The body
Generally, I believe that the economic model of a rich nation cannot apply to all nations. Although developed countries demonstrate the examples of successful economical solutions, there are still some contradictions concerning the uniqueness of solution. Moreover, the current situation in the world shows that there are a number of problems within the economical system. Therefore, due to the inner problems, the “rich” countries do not want to help “poor” that should develop basing to their resources and the regional features.
On the one hand, one cannot state that economic success depends upon natural forces; on the other hand, “knowledge of the underlying facts and economic processes, good planning in setting objectives and allocating resources, and determination in carrying out a program for improvements and reforms, a great deal can be done to improve the economic environment” (Escobar 25).
For instance, one can consider the example with Colombia. It has enough natural resources, and its economically advantageous trade position gives the country an opportunity to use contemporary techniques. So, everything that is to be done is to gather speed of its widespread development.
For this reason, one can make a conclusion that the country “would not only accomplish its own salvation but would at the same time furnish an inspiring example to all other underdeveloped areas of the world” (Escobar 25). This example shows that my viewpoint can be correct. Thus, I can make a conclusion that reliance on natural forces is not enough for economic recovery. The program of economical development should take into account the national and regional features.
The conclusion
I would like to point out that in the late forties, the relations between rich and poor countries have been changed. Substantial mutation can be considered to as the most appropriate term, which can be used to characterize such relations. Now social and economic issues are based on the new strategy. Of course, “rich” nations should help “poor” nations out of pure philanthropy. Developed countries tend to ensure progress all over the world.
However, the current economical situation of number developed countries demonstrates that “rich” countries are not able to help “poor”. Besides, as I believe that poverty is a lack of moral values and knowledge, not only the financial and economic, I suppose that the problem of “poor” countries cannot be solved without the understanding of the cultural aspects of the particular region or nation.
Works Cited
Escobar, Arturo. Encountering Development: The Making and Unmaking of the Third World. 3rd ed. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1995. Questia. Web.