THE CONCEPT OF POVERTY, ITS TYPES, AND CAUSES.

Abstract

Poverty is a multidimensional socio-economic condition characterized by insufficient access to basic needs such as food, housing, education, and healthcare. This paper examines the concept of poverty, its main types, causes, and emerging contemporary dimensions based on recent scholarly literature. It highlights traditional classifications such as absolute, relative, urban, rural, chronic, and transient poverty, while also addressing modern forms including digital poverty, energy poverty, and psychological poverty.

The study further explores key drivers of poverty, including systemic exploitation, conflict, the digital divide, and environmental and energy insecurity. Recent research shows that global shocks, inequality, and structural limitations continue to reinforce poverty cycles, while new challenges such as technological exclusion and climate-related risks have intensified socio-economic disparities.