engleski

The effect of poverty on the well-being and quality of life of youth: qualitative perspective

Croatia is among the most affected member states of the European Union with regard to the rate of poverty. One fifth of Croatian citizens are at risk of poverty and the risk rate of poverty and social exclusion of children increased in recent years, being above the national average. Growing up in poverty brings the unfavorable consequences that lead to poor health care, problems in education, stigma and finally can lead to maintaining in the circle of poverty. In order to explore the experiences and conditions of youth living poverty, we conducted a qualitative study with 74 participants (youth, their parents, professionals and policy- makers), of whom 38 youth (high school students), who participated in six focus groups. The study aimed at deepening our knowledge about the life of impoverished children and of their families. The results gained from youth living in conditions of poverty will be primarily presented, showing some crucial features of their life in poverty and the problems they face: such as the inability of youth to satisfy their basic needs, the inability to be included and participate in youth activities, etc. In addition, the perspective of parents will be also presented: how they perceive their children grow up in conditions of poverty and how the poverty influences various aspects of well-being of their children. One of the conclusions drawn from this study is that families who live in conditions of poverty see education as the most important way to escape this position of being at a disadvantage. It turned out that families with more children focus their attention on providing university education to one child, while others are encouraged to complete vocational schools and find a job as soon as possible in order to be financially independent. On the other hand, youth themselves see the way out of poverty through education and employment, as well as emigration.

poverty, youth, children, research, well-being

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