What Does it Mean to be Poor

What Does it Mean to be Poor

May 4, 2016
Image credit: CARE

The New Paper featured an article ‘What Does it Mean to be Poor’ (24 April) on a recent study on poverty in Singapore conducted by the Centre for Culture-Centred Approach to Research and Evaluation (CARE, NUS Dept of CNM). The team of researchers conducted 180 in-depth interviews between 2013 and 2016 to better understand the challenges faced by low-income Singaporeans. In the process, they learnt that many low-income individuals face the issue of stigma and alienation, and often do not seek help.

According to the study, between 12-14% of households in Singapore are considered low-income, with a monthly household income of $1500 and below as an indicator of poverty. Working ground up, the researchers from CARE formed an advisory committee that enabled low-income Singaporeans to share their everyday experience and also lead a study to design solutions for the poor. CARE also launched an online campaign ‘No Singaporeans Left Behind’ to raise awareness on poverty in Singapore.

To read the article (for subscribers only), click here.