Poverty conversation questions

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These are some conversation questions about poverty:

• How would you define poverty? What do you think causes it?
• Is poverty relative? Would people who are considered poor in one society be considered rich in another?
• Do you think it's possible to eradicate poverty in the world? In your country?
• Would it be mathematically possible to ensure that nobody earns less than the average wage?
• Which of the following factors do you think are most effective in the fight against poverty? Why/why not?
  • Debt relief
  • Development aid
  • Economic growth
  • Empowering women
  • Fair trade
  • Good governance
  • Import substitution and export industries
  • Land redistribution
  • Microloans
• Do you think that it is a government's responsibility to provide welfare assistance or should it be the responsibility of charities? Why?
• It is often said that the rich are growing richer, and the poor are growing poorer. Do you agree? If so, why is it happening?
• Do you think that globally eliminating poverty could be possible? Is there enough money in the world?

Child labour

• At what age do you think people should start working?
• If you have children, at what age would you accept that they could go to work? If they want to? If they don't want to?
• Can you think of any jobs that are more suitable for young people?
• Are there any jobs that you think children should not do?
• How common do you think child labour is?
• Do you know of any cases, i.e. countries/companies that use child labour?
• Do you think that globally eliminating child labour is possible? Why/why not?
• Do you believe slavery and child labor are the same?

Homelessness

• Do you think homelessness is a big problem?
• Are there many homeless people in your country?
• Does the government help them in any way? Do you think the government should help them?
• Under what circumstances should the government help people?
• How do you feel when you see people who live on the street?
• Do you think that people who live on the street are to blame for their situation?
• Have you ever had a conversation with a homeless person? What did they tell you? What would you expect them to tell you?
• Should the government/local authorities provide free housing for homeless people?
• How would your life change if you lost your home?
• How would you spend your time if you became homeless?
• How would you feel if you were homeless?

See also

• Globalisation conversation questions
• Immigration conversation questions
• Money conversation questions
• Pirates conversation questions
• Politics conversation questions