Voices of the poor : field study implemented on a sample of the poor in Jordan

الملخص EN

The present study aimed to explore poor people's perceptions of poverty and their own experience of poverty, as well as its definition, causes and possible methods to reduce it.

To achieve the study objectives, the researcher used a qualitative methodology.

The study consisted of 150 poor people.

Purposive sampling was used to select participants from a variety of poor situations (e.g., working poor, cash assistance recipients, unemployed).

The researcher used semi-structured individual interviews, content analysis and observation as methods of collecting data and information.

This was done in order to give policymakers a deeper, richer and ultimately better understanding of poverty phenomena.

The results indicate that the majority of poor people said that they are very poor and that they face a lot of problems, such as socioeconomic and family problems.

From the perspective of respondents, government and NGOs are largely ineffective.

Poor-quality services seemed to be the norm, whether in assistance or health care.

Based on the results of the study, the researcher submitted some recommendations to support the efforts of poverty reduction.

More research and study in the area of poverty, especially qualitative, is recommended.