STRUGGLING FOR SURVIVAL: THE ANTECEDENT OF ABSOLUTE POVERTY AMONG LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN IRAQ

Abstract

In the context of persistent poverty and the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in developing countries such as Iraq. This research focuses on the specific perspective of low-income families and examines how short-term vision, uncontrolled consumption, and unemployment contribute to the perpetuation of absolute poverty. Employing a quantitative method with SEM-Amos version 23, the study surveyed 201 households from low-income backgrounds in 5 Al-Furat Al-Awsat provinces: Babylon, Najaf, Karbala, Diwaniya, and Al-Muthanna. The findings highlight that short-term vision and uncontrolled consumption have a more significant impact on increasing absolute poverty compared to unemployment. Moreover, the study reveals a positive moderation effect of lack of resilience among the variables and absolute poverty, except uncontrolled consumption. Notably, of lack of resilience serves as a vital moderator in the link between short-term vision, uncontrolled consumption, unemployment, and absolute poverty. The findings hold significance for informing behavioral interventions, policy development, and educational initiatives aimed at bolstering the resilience and strengths of individuals facing economic adversity, not only in Iraq but also in similar socio-economic contexts globally.