Perceptions of poverty and life aspirations of children from low-income families

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions of poverty of children from low-income families, their life aspirations and their beliefs of attaining these, and the relationship between these variables. Structured interviews and surveys were conducted among 40 children from low-income families, aged 11-14 years old, from four barangays in Miagao, Iloilo. The findings show that children’s perceptions of poverty are generally based on their experiences of destitution. Respondents have attributed poverty to individualistic and structural factors. Children have valued economic gains, family, and community in their aspirations. Respondents have also placed greater value on intrinsic aspirations. Moreover, they believed that education, employment, positive attitude and reliance on God are pre-requisites in the attainment of aspirations. Children also believed that they are more likely to achieve intrinsic goals than extrinsic ones. Regression analysis revealed that structural causes of poverty predicted their life aspirations. Familial consequences of poverty, together with perceived structural causes, predicted children’s beliefs of attaining their life aspirations.