‘Poverty linked to Troubles’ – Academic
Posted By: August 27, 2014
UTV. Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Any resolution on dealing with the
past in Northern Ireland must
include tackling
those people living in
poverty because of their experiences
during the Troubles, a
Queen's academic has said.
Troubles poverty link
Analysis Research has revealed that
more than a quarter of adults in
Northern Ireland live
without basic necessities like food,
heat or clothing.
The study has also revealed that of
those who had personally experienced
the Troubles 36% of them suffer
some kind of deprivation.
The figures were discovered in
the largest study of its kind ever
carried out in the
UK which examined how a lack
of money is impacting sections
of society.
Compiled by Queen's University,
the research found 38% of adults
who had a relative
injured in the Troubles suffered
multiple deprivation; 45% for t
hose who had a
relative jailed; and 56% for those
who recorded police or army
searches of their home.
The highest level of deprivation,
58%, affected people who were
forced to move house
because of harassment.
Sociology Professor Mike Tomlinson
from Queen's said the impact of
violent conflict has a similar
impact around the world.
He said: "Dealing with the
past needs to include tackling
the deprivation of those
whose lives are most lighted
by the years of conflict."
Across the UK, the study f
ound that households below
the minimum standard of living
increased from 14% to 33%
over the last 30 years,
despite the size of the economy
doubling.
It also showed that millions
can't afford adequate housing,
are too poor for social
activities, can't heat their
homes and are not properly fed.
Professor David Gordon, from
the Townsend Centre for
International Poverty Research
at the University of Bristol,
said: "Poverty and deprivation
have increased since
2010, the poor are suffering
from deeper poverty and the
gap between the rich and
poor is widening."