Is it possible to measure extreme poverty in Malta ?

Abstract

Poverty is a remarkably complex social phenomenon, and trying to determine its causes is problematic. ―Whilst 14% of the Maltese population in 2007 was living in the risk of poverty, 2010 saw an increase to 15%‖ 1 , which means that ―individuals face insecurity, and go without what most people often take for granted. Living in poverty can result from not having adequate money to spend on groceries and clothing to experiencing poor housing conditions and even homelessness. Poverty can lead to a restricted way of life that may lead to social exclusion. ―59,498 persons were reported to be at-risk-of-poverty according to 2008 figures. reported that in Malta, 16,000 were ‗severely materially deprived.‘ Such people could not pay rent/mortgage or utility bills; they could not ―maintain their home adequately warm or meet unexpected expenses. They also could not afford to eat meat, fish or protein equivalent every second day and cannot afford a car, washing machine, colour TV or telephone. 4 People tend to be quite critical when it comes to wealth and poverty. The stereotypic and simplistic explanation persists - the idea that wealth comes to those who work - leading many people to blame the poor for their poverty. Some theorists have argued that the poor have little or no concern for the future and that they opted to live for the moment, while others have accused them of engaging in a pattern of behaviour detrimental to the self.