Poverty threshold in Singapore
Poverty threshold in Singapore : The Lien Centre for Social Innovation recently published an official report on inequalities in Singapore, providing an unprecedented insight into the state of Singaporean society. This study has sparked debates, revealing a worrying reality within this country known for its economic dynamism and prosperity.
The Gini Coefficient: An Alarming Indicator
According to this report, Singapore ranks among the most unequal countries among developed nations, surpassing even the United States and several European countries. Income inequalities have skyrocketed since the 2000s, making Singapore a striking example of growing disparities.
Income inequalities are often measured using the Gini coefficient, which assesses the distribution of incomes within a population. In Singapore, this coefficient has risen from 6.1 in 2000 to 7.8 in 2012, indicating a worrying increase in wealth gaps. In comparison, the United States, France, and Norway experienced much smaller increases over the same period.
A Troubling Concentration of Wealth
What makes the Singaporean situation even more worrying is the speed at which these inequalities have increased. The top 1% of Singaporeans alone hold a quarter of the national wealth, illustrating an unprecedented concentration of wealth in the country.
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The Hidden Face of Poverty in Singapore
Absolute poverty is a very real issue in Singapore. Approximately 14% of Singaporean households are affected by this extreme form of deprivation, according to estimates. However, these figures do not fully reflect the reality, as they only take into account beneficiaries of official public assistance programs.
An alternative estimate, proposed by Jacqueline Loh, suggests that a much larger number of Singaporean households, up to 140,000, could be considered as living in poverty if the poverty threshold is set between 1200 and 1500 SGD per month per household. Among them are not only the unemployed but also workers whose incomes are insufficient to meet their basic needs, as well as retirees facing increasing financial difficulties.
Relative Poverty: A Complex Reality
In addition to absolute poverty, the report highlights the issue of relative poverty, which takes into account the lack of access to services and development opportunities in the country. Approximately 20% of Singaporean households live below the 50% of median income threshold, significantly limiting their access to essential services such as education, health, and transportation.
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Towards Awareness and Political Action
The publication of this report highlights the need for urgent action to address growing inequalities in Singapore. It is imperative that government social policies tackle these issues head-on, aiming to reduce wealth gaps and ensure equitable access to development opportunities for all Singaporean citizens.
In summary, the situation of inequalities in Singapore is complex and requires a multidimensional approach to be fully understood and resolved. This report provides a solid basis for reflection and action, with the aim of creating a fairer and more inclusive Singaporean society for all its citizens.
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Keywords: Poverty threshold in Singapore, Poverty in Singapore