TIJER || ISSN 2349-9249 || © March 2025, Volume 12, Issue 3 || www.tijer.

org

A Study on The Relationship Between Poverty and

Abstract - The Deep Study: Poverty and Education in India Education is interconnected with the multidimensional nature of
poverty. Exploring the effect of poverty on education is necessary for creating effective interventions to reduce educational
inequality in India, where a significant proportion of the population lives in conditions of poverty. Education is greatly marginalized
due to many disadvantages, and poverty is one of the reasons. Thus, poverty & its impact into education needs to fold & there are
few strategies that needs to be undertaken to avoid the mentioned challenges. This is an attempt to study poverty and the way it
plays its part in the education of people who live below the poverty line. This study attempts to open a window for an exploratory
study of the complex relationship between poverty and education in India, by culling existing studies and data from secondary and
primary sources. It highlights the importance of targeted interventions, legislative changes, and inclusive practices to alleviate the
adverse effects of poverty on educational achievement and facilitate equity for all children regardless of socio-economic
background. For a more comprehensive understanding of the problem, a random sampling questionnaire survey was carried out
among the general population of India. The main topics involved in this study are childhood poverty, impact of poverty on
schooling and its long-lasting impacts on educational experiences of children.
Keywords: Poverty, Barrier, Impact, Education, Nation

I. INTRODUCTION
Education, like food, shelter, and clothing, is a basic human necessity. However, due to poverty, many children are unable to attend
school. As a result, the impact of poverty on education has become a key area of concern in academic discussions and policy-
making. This research aims to examine how poverty influences education and its consequences on students' academic success.
Household income significantly affects educational outcomes. Children from low-income families often start school later than those
from wealthier families. Furthermore, the quality of education they receive is often inferior due to financial constraints that prevent
them from accessing high-quality schools. Factors such as parental education, family income, and social environment also play a
crucial role in a child's academic success. Poverty affects school readiness in various ways, including health, home environment,
parental involvement, and neighborhood conditions. Children from low-income families often lack motivation and essential social
skills, making it harder for them to succeed in school. Additionally, some poor families do not prioritize education and instead
engage their children in household labor. Those who attempt to send their children to school often struggle with the high costs of
education. Although education is a fundamental right, many underprivileged children still face difficulties in accessing it. To address
this issue, the Indian government provides free education to children aged 6 to 14, encouraging school enrollment. However, the
quality of education in government schools remains a concern. Many students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds drop
out after availing of free education due to their inability to afford further studies. The costs of higher education, including tuition
fees for courses like engineering and medicine, are prohibitively high for many low-income families. The Rangarajan Committee,
in its 2014 report, assessed poverty levels in India based on per capita monthly consumption expenditure. The World Bank, in 2017,
introduced international poverty lines of $3.20 per day for lower-middle-income countries and $5.50 per day for upper-middle-
income countries. Based on these criteria, 60% of India's population was classified as living in poverty in 2011, affecting
approximately 764 million people. As of early 2021, around 86.7 million people in India were living in extreme poverty, constituting
6% of the total population. While economic growth and government initiatives have contributed to poverty reduction, significant
challenges remain. Programs such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and mid-day
meal schemes have played a role in improving living conditions and reducing poverty. Education remains one of the most effective
tools for combating poverty. Ensuring access to quality education for low-income families should be a key focus of government
policies, as education acts as a catalyst for economic, social, and technological progress. Education is a fundamental right and a
powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. However, for millions of children worldwide, poverty creates significant barriers to
accessing quality education. Limited financial resources, inadequate school infrastructure, malnutrition, and lack of learning
materials often hinder academic success. Additionally, children from low-income families may face social and emotional challenges
that affect their ability to concentrate and perform well in school. This article explores the various ways poverty impacts education,
highlighting the urgent need for policies and interventions to ensure equal learning opportunities for all.
Education is often seen as the key to a brighter future, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their
lives. However, poverty remains one of the greatest obstacles to accessing and benefiting from quality education. Children from
low-income families face multiple challenges, including inadequate school facilities, lack of essential learning materials, poor
nutrition, and limited access to technology. Many are forced to drop out of school to support their families, while others struggle
with the emotional and psychological effects of financial hardship. These barriers not only affect individual students but also
contribute to wider social and economic inequalities.
This article examines the deep-rooted impact of poverty on education, exploring how financial hardship affects students' academic
performance, school attendance, and overall development. By understanding these challenges, we can work toward effective

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solutions that ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to receive a quality education and build a better
future.
II. REVIEW LITERATURE
Tilak (2002) emphasizes the importance of primary education in poverty reduction. However, policymakers often neglect secondary
and higher education, despite its critical role in economic growth and social mobility.
Studies by Wight et al. (2010) and Aratani et al. (2010) define poverty in the U.S. context, highlighting its effects on child
development. According to their findings, around 30% of children in the U.S. live below the federal poverty line, impacting their
educational attainment.
Wilson (2012) discusses how educational institutions in high-poverty areas implement special programs to meet students' basic
needs, creating a conducive environment for learning.
Deutsch (2014) explores how Poverty impacts education, linking factors such as unemployment, mental health issues, and crime
rates to poor educational outcomes. Many disadvantaged communities lack proper educational facilities, which further hampers
students’ learning experiences.
Amerikaner & Morgan (2018) state that education is the first step toward financial independence. Research indicates that children
living in poverty have significantly lower chances of academic success compared to their wealthier peers
Buheji (2019) discusses various strategies to enhance educational access for impoverished communities. He emphasizes shifting the
focus from a "supply vs. demand" approach to a "capacity vs. demand" approach, which would improve the quality of education
provided to low-income students.
Alok (2020) highlights the severity of poverty in India, where many families cannot afford to send their children to school despite
the availability of government-funded institutions. Financial constraints also limit access to adequate healthcare and other essential
services.
M.Dhaneswari Alamelu, Vrevathy [2022] Impact of poverty on education in india. Education is critical for individual, societal, and
national development. Poverty poses significant barriers to acquiring education and literacy skills. This research paper investigates
the impact of poverty on education in India. The study examines childhood poverty, elementary education, and education policy. It
explores education’s role in reducing poverty and its impact on young children.
Sahidul sheikh [January 2024] Impact of poverty on education in indiaThe impact of poverty on education is largely detrimental.
this research paper investigates the impact of poverty on education on India. the study examines the influence of poverty on younger
children’s educational experiences.
Pournima K. Jangle impact of poverty on education. Poverty denies marginalized groups access to education and healthcare. Limited
opportunities and family instability affect educational outcomes. Poor living conditions also play a significant role. The relationship
between poverty and education is complex. Understanding this relationship is crucial for addressing challenges. Poverty alleviation
is essential for improving educational outcomes in India.
III. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Poverty remains a significant barrier to educational access, quality, and outcomes worldwide. Despite efforts to improve education
systems, children from low-income families continue to face challenges that hinder their academic success. These challenges include
inadequate access to learning resources, malnutrition, poor health, unstable home environments, and limited parental support due to
economic struggles. This study seeks to examine how poverty affects students' academic performance, school attendance, and
overall educational attainment. It will also explore the role of government policies and interventions in mitigating these challenges.
By identifying the specific ways in which poverty impacts education, the study aims to provide insights into effective strategies for
ensuring equal learning opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To understand the impact of poverty on education achievement in student’s life.
2. To enhance access to education and livelihood opportunities for underprivileged populations.
3. To monitor and evaluate poverty-reduction programs.
4. To analyze how financial hardship limits access to quality education, leading to lower academic achievement and higher
dropout rates.
V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The study identifies several key challenges that students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds face, significantly
influencing their academic performance and educational outcomes:
Limited Access to Educational Resources: Students from low-income households often lack access to basic learning materials,
including textbooks, internet connectivity, and digital devices.
Poor Nutrition and Health Issues: Inadequate nutrition and healthcare services adversely affect concentration levels, attendance,
and overall academic achievement.
Higher Dropout Rates: Economic pressure compels many students to drop out of school early to contribute to family income
through employment.
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Unstable Living Conditions: Frequent relocation, overcrowded housing, and lack of a conducive learning environment hinder
consistent academic engagement.
Lack of Parental Support: Due to low levels of parental education or involvement, students often lack the necessary academic and
emotional support at home.
Limited Access to Quality Schools: Many students in rural and marginalized communities attend under-resourced schools with
insufficient infrastructure and poorly trained faculty.
Psychological Stress and Trauma: Socioeconomic hardship is often accompanied by chronic stress, low self-esteem, and exposure
to trauma, all of which negatively impact cognitive development and learning ability.
DISCUSSION
The findings emphasize the complex interplay between poverty and educational inequality. A lack of financial resources restricts
access to essential academic tools such as books, digital devices, and stable internet, widening the digital divide and impeding
learning outcomes. Students frequently miss school due to household responsibilities or transportation barriers, further affecting
academic consistency.
Moreover, poverty often forces students to prioritize work over education, resulting in high dropout rates. This not only disrupts
individual academic journeys but also perpetuates the intergenerational cycle of poverty. The absence of adequate parental support,
owing to parents’ own limited education or demanding work schedules, exacerbates this issue by depriving students of critical
guidance.
Additionally, students from impoverished backgrounds are vulnerable to bullying, stigma, and psychological stress. The resulting
emotional toll leads to low self-confidence, disengagement, and reduced academic motivation. Perceptions of limited career
prospects also contribute to diminished aspirations, undermining students' commitment to long-term educational goals.
These compounded challenges ultimately result in lower educational attainment, limiting access to quality employment and thereby
reinforcing economic disparities. Addressing these issues requires systemic interventions, including improving access to quality
education, enhancing nutritional and psychological support services, and fostering inclusive school environments.
VI. REFERENCES
Ferguson, H. B., Bovaird, S., & Mueller, M. P. (2007). The impact of poverty on educational outcomes for children. Paediatrics &
Child Health, 12(8), 701–706. https://academic.oup.com
Awan, M. S., Malik, N., Sarwar, H., & Waqas, M. (2011). Impact of poverty on education in Pakistan. MPRA Paper.
https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de
Van der Berg, S. (2008). Poverty and education. Education Policy Series. Citeseer.
Hofmarcher, T. (2021). Poverty, Education, and Health Outcomes: A Multilevel Analysis. Economics of Education Review.
Elsevier.

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