What's the role of poor people in society?

November 14, 2024

What's the role of poor people in society?

Poor people are the backbone of human societies. The poor are the foundation on which progress is built. The poor play a key role in the economic, cultural, and political development of society. Being poor is probably more painful than being rich. No pain, no gain. You can be poor and happily live a productive life. Paradoxically, being a happy-go-lucky poor, rather than a bitter person, may be the best and fastest way out of poverty. 

Economic Role

Poor people are traditionally the backbone of the labor force, performing the essential, low-skilled, low-wage, often hazardous work required for the development of human societies. 

• Agriculture: In agrarian societies, the poor often work as laborers on farms, cultivating the land, tending to crops, and raising livestock. Historically, this was the foundation of economies.

• Industry: During the Industrial Revolution, poor individuals made up the majority of factory workers, miners, and construction laborers, driving the growth of industries and urbanization.

• Housekeeping: Poor individuals work domestic roles, such as servants and housekeepers, ensuring the smooth functioning of upper-class households and businesses.

Prior to the abolition of slavery,  poor people were often enslaved or forced to work under oppressive conditions. In feudal societies, serfs (peasants who were often impoverished) worked the land and paid taxes or rents to the landowners, contributing to the wealth of the aristocracy. In colonial economies, in the context of European colonialism, indigenous populations and poor laborers were often exploited for the extraction of resources, such as minerals, cotton, sugar, and tobacco.

Cultural Role

Poor people are the folkloric essence of human cultures and societies.

• Art: Poor people have historically been the creators and patrons of many cultural expressions. Folk music, blues, jazz, gospel music, rock, rap, hip-hop, and reggaeton, for example, originated in impoverished communities and had a profound influence on global culture. Writers from humble backgrounds have used their experiences to highlight social inequalities and bring attention to the plight of the poor, contributing to literary movements that promoted social change.

• Religion: Poor communities have often developed systems of mutual aid, where members of a community support one another through shared resources, barter systems, and community-based organizations. In many societies, the poor have both received charity and, paradoxically, been involved in giving back through religious organizations, volunteering in care for the sick, or supporting others in need. The Catholic Church, for instance, often relied on poor individuals in providing charity and social services throughout history.

• Innovation. The poor often find creative ways to survive and make do with limited resources. This has led to the development of informal economies, underground markets, and innovative low-cost solutions to problems related to food, housing, and transportation. In rapidly growing urban areas, poor communities often develop informal housing, transportation, and social networks that keep cities functioning despite inadequate public infrastructure and other resources.

Political Role

Poor people have been central to most political and social movements throughout history:

• Labor Movements: Poor workers have historically organized labor unions and fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and workers’ rights. These movements have led to significant changes, including the establishment of labor laws, minimum wage standards, and union protections.

• Revolutions: In some cases, poverty has been a driving force behind uprisings and revolutions. For example, the French Revolution (1789) was partially fueled by widespread poverty, inequality, and a desire for political reform, which eventually overthrew the monarchy.

• Social Reforms: Throughout history, the poor have been at the forefront of resistance movements, whether through strikes, protests, or revolutionary uprisings. In many cases, these movements have pushed for economic, political, or social reforms that sought to address the inequalities and injustices that poor people faced. The poor and marginalized have been key participants in movements for civil rights, equality, and social justice, demanding changes in laws, social norms, and access to opportunities. Reformers often emerged from or advocated for the poor. For example, the rise of welfare states and social safety nets in the 20th century was driven in part by demands from the lower classes for economic justice and better living conditions.

The poor play a key multifaceted role in society. Historically, the poor have been victims of economic and social inequalities. However, the poor have also been collective agents of victorious social reforms. While marginalized and exploited by the rich, the poor have demonstrated resilience, resourcefulness, and the capacity for profound cultural and political impact. The contributions of poor people to human civilization is as important and essential as the contribution of the rich. 

Of Pain and Pleasure

When given the chance, with the exception of some religious devouts (monks, priests, nuns), almost no one wants to be poor and everyone wants to be rich. Understandably, humans want to avoid the pains of poverty and want to enjoy the privileges of wealth.

So far, humans have not cracked the code on creating socioeconomic systems where everyone can be rich. However, that doesn't mean that everyone has to be painfully poor. Developed nations have social welfare systems that have managed to eliminate super painful levels of poverty by guaranteeing some minimum standards of living. 

Social Welfare 

Scandinavian countries come to mind when describing such welfare systems. Poverty levels in Scandinavian countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—are are significantly lower than those in many developing nations. These countries are known for their robust social welfare systems, which contribute to lower poverty rates and relatively high standards of living even for the poor.

To replicate the Scandinavian economic model worldwide sounds virtually impossible at this stage of human development. Those countries have their particular histories, idiosyncrasies, demographics, and natural resources that are significantly different from those in the rest of the world. 

Conservatism

Maybe a few centuries from now the world manages to replicate the Scandinavian social welfare system throughout Earth. We are not counting on it and would not hold our breath waiting for it. The rich depend on the poor globally. 

The main role of our conservative parties and far right political movements worldwide is to preserve the status quo to guarantee an abundant supply of poor labor to sustain society. Movements such as banning abortions, defunding education, and promoting religion are great tools to ensure a steady supply of poor humans. 

Conservatism has many benefits and is increasingly popular among the poor. Perhaps the best way forward is to redefine what it means to be poor. Many poor people are happy, even happier than the rich.  Perhaps the key is to be proud and happy of being poor like Jesus Christ and the Buddha. Perhaps a key is feeling proud and happy of being poor rather like feeling like a hopeless victim. Paradoxically, being a happy poor may be the way out of poverty into the middle class and beyond. 

Now you know it. 

Live well. Die better. Enjoy.

Creatix, thought-provoking matrix. On the web at www.creatix.one