Socio economic conditions is a sociological and economic total assessment of a person’s work situation and all the characteristics of that person’s income and/or of the families and/or social position vis-a-vis others. It may be analyzed in terms of income distribution, occupational class, educational attainment, health status, social security net, geographical location and many other relevant variables. Socio economic conditions is usually used in macro-level economic policies like macroeconomic policies to address poverty. This has also been used in micro level policy interventions like designing programs for the upliftment of people in villages, urban slums, and education and health sectors.
The concept of socio economic conditions was introduced by Ambedkar in 18 lamented the prevailing inequality in the society. According to him, everyone is benefited by the same laws whether rich or poor. However, the difference lies in the fact that poor people have a limited number of opportunities compared to rich people. Their only scope for economic growth is through work. There are numerous such theories that are interrelated which attempt to highlight the varying distressing situations in the country.
The theory of socio economic conditions is primarily designed to measure the state of living of people based on their income and assets. A household means a group of persons living under one roof, who have the same financial, social, educational, emotional, cultural, linguistic and physical needs. This group of individuals has an equal potential to become successful and enjoy a life of their own. By looking at the whole population of the community, we come to know the prevailing socioeconomic conditions.
The condition of the people is categorized as poor, mediocre, fair and thriving. As per this hierarchy, poverty is considered as the lowest among these. The level of poverty is differentiated on the basis of location, gender, education and assets. The regions and the gender are analyzed on the basis of these factors. Assets and education can be taken as the positive and negative factors, while location indicates the community’s urbanity and its relationship with the state.
The indicators of socio economic conditions help in identifying the appropriate area of action and steps to be taken to overcome these problems. Based on the collected data, the causes of poverty and the reasons for its alleviation are determined. A list of the most impoverished and isolated communities is also created. With the help of this list, the State is alerted towards helping these sections of the society.
The process of categorizing is done with an eye on the standard of living and assets of the person. For instance, there are some communities where people suffer from poverty because they live in a remote and inaccessible area. On the other hand, there are some where the reason of extreme poverty is the lack of basic facilities. Based on the collected information, the causes of poverty and the way to alleviate it are chalked out. After this exercise, another list of economically active and reasonably well-off communities is created. These are sent on a mission to the other parts of the state so that they may understand the situation on the ground.
The process of categorization is also accompanied by awareness programs. It informs the masses about the kind of existence they are making. It also makes them aware of the significance of being socially active and economically prosperous. By this way, they come to know what kinds of actions they should take to eradicate poverty. Some other programs include creating awareness about AIDS, Fostering organic farming, microcredit, and micro-enterprise among others.
There is no denying the fact that poverty is a very complex phenomenon. By drawing a very clear demarcation between the economic condition and the various socio economic conditions, the State can identify those in need of assistance. Then it plans to extend assistance. By helping the economically disadvantaged, it hopes that this will create a feeling of satisfaction in those who lead a happy and contented life. It is hoped that by bringing these two aspects under control, the problems of socio economic conditions will eventually start to fade away.