Aimal Khan Bazai
About the Writer:
(The writer is a student of BS Political Science at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. He also serves the Frontier Study Center as an Edito-in-Chief. He could be reached at aimalkhanofficial18@gmail.com.)
Students are always concerned about poverty, and many ask why they belong to a poor family, relying on a single source of income, often from a father, elder brother, or another family member. I've noticed that our students have questions about poverty and the poor class, but they lack answers. We often discuss economic and socioeconomic factors that shape our lives, but the root causes remain unclear.
In the 17th century, during the Industrial Revolution, scholars declared the end of feudalism. However, I believe feudalism didn't truly end; it evolved into new forms, retaining its core issues. For instance, in feudalism, people were divided into classes with privileges, and the lower class was disrespected despite being the backbone of society, working for everyone's benefit. Similarly, in modern liberal capitalism, the economic struggles of the lower class persist. Today, the lower class is the driving force behind industries and factories, working to secure their lives and their children's future. Unfortunately, meaningful changes in their lives are still a distant reality.
In our economic and poverty problems, several factors are involved and influential. For instance, patriarchal norms have held us back. These norms have significantly disrupted our economy, but we have yet to fully acknowledge their impact. For example, consider a family of 10, with 2 brothers, 6 sisters, and their parents. Only 2 members of the family are working to support everyone. The question arises: why aren't the girls working to alleviate economic struggles? The answer lies in patriarchal norms, which dictate that girls shouldn't work outside the home in a male-dominated society. This mindset perpetuates poverty, as only a few family members are working, while the rest are limited to household responsibilities. If all family members were able to work, poverty would significantly decrease. To achieve this, we must condemn and abolish patriarchal norms from our society.
The economic situation of a society is affected by several factors, including the effects of patriarchy, unfair distribution of resources, market control by a few individuals, and government policies that perpetuate inequality. In today's market, having a few skills is essential to secure economic stability, but without these skills, individuals are left vulnerable. Pakistan's GDP has decreased compared to previous years, indicating economic and political regression. Despite having abundant resources, we lack the capacity to utilize them effectively. To address this, we need a modern school system that focuses on building skills in individuals. According to a recent report, over 800,000 students are unemployed, including PhD holders and a majority with bachelor's degrees, highlighting the need for skill development and effective resource utilization.
In conclusion, the persistence of poverty and economic struggles in our society is a complex issue with deep roots in our social and economic structures. The lingering effects of feudalism, the grip of patriarchal norms, and the inadequacies of our education system all contribute to this ongoing problem. To break the cycle of poverty and unlock a brighter future, we must confront and challenge these underlying factors. By promoting gender equality, fostering inclusive economic growth, and investing in modern education that cultivates skills and critical thinking, we can create a more just and prosperous society for all. The time for change is now, and it begins with acknowledging the interconnectedness of these issues and working together towards a common goal of economic liberation and social justice.
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