by Alwy Rachman
Lecturer at the Faculty of Culture Sciences at Hasanuddin University in Makassar
In various media, either print or visual, there are often warnings for the lower class. The messages invariably include instructions to parents in poverty stricken communities to be wary of their environment and keep a close eye on their children to ensure their children are never victims of human trafficking.
During Ramadan, there are also banners everywhere with bold messages reminding people to pay their zakat, infak andsedekah dues (charitable donations, mandatory in Islam, especially during Ramadan, if one can afford it). Of course these banners have poverty stricken groups in mind. And of course these banners urge you to donate through their institutions or foundation, as advertised on the banners.
On a political level, the state just recently handed out direct aid to the poor to compensate for the increased price of fuel. The intention behind this was also simple, handing out small change to the poor for around four to five months will help them adapt to the fuel price increase.
All of the above examples show how the seasonal aspect of poverty can be viewed. The poor seem powerless. Therefore, during certain seasons, the poor are considered worthy of the public’s attention, deserving of kindness and direct aid.
Many view poverty in such as way. Anthropologist Oscar Lewis’ views on poverty were most skeptical. He said the poor were predisposed to certain mindsets including "present-mindedness" and "obsessive consumption". He considered these tendencies to be the major barriers to economic mobility for the poor. Lewis came up with this theory while studying poor families from Mexico to New York.
According to Lewis’ ideology, the poor develop certain characteristics and values that differ from the non-poor, which include "the absence of childhood", "early initiation into sex" and "free unions and consensual marriages" among other things. He argued that poor men abandon their wives and children, develop "female or mother-centered families" and rarely achieve family solidarity “because of sibling rivalry".
Lewis also argued that the culture of poverty has led to political apathy, broken families and passive responses to their economic plight.
On the other hand, many other theorists also view this situation in a positive light. Sociologists, economists, and anthropologists reject Lewis’ beliefs. Instead, they believe that poverty is caused more by limited access and control of resources in their environment. Lewis’ description about "the culture of poverty" should just be buried and done with, they argue.
Those who reject Lewis’ perspective urge everyone to respect hard work, solidarity, empathy, endurance to suffering, survival strategies, and social leadership in poverty ridden groups. If these points are not respected, it will seem as if many impoverished groups are neglected.
Then, the collective responsibility of the community, government system, political system, economical system, and support for culture must be re-examined. Do not let all of this just be a part of the network that contributes to poverty. That is also why activists often like to describe it as "impoverishment" as opposed to simply "poverty". The term "poverty" feels a bit "unjustified" when attempting to understand reality.
In this nation, poverty is often viewed from a seasonal perspective. During political months or years, the issue of poverty is suddenly thrown at the voters. Political promises are then spread throughout the nation. If the price increase of fuel is supposed to contribute to the government’s funds, bureaucrats then start to recount the amount of poor people in the country. And, when Ramadan comes, that is when we remember the names of foundations that donate to the poor. As for the accountability of dealing with poverty, that is another issue.
Poverty is not seasonal. It is a daily subject matter. The reality of poverty can be seen among the hustle and bustle of daily activities in the city or rural areas. If you want a harsh reminder of this fact, listen to the words of intellects, "Poverty and injustice is a part of the core that sparked revolution." (*)
