Poverty conversation questions


 * 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?

Homelessness

 * 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?

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?