Education and poverty: development policy options in a democratic era

Abstract

The main argument of this chapter is not about lack of consensus in definition and measurement. Most people will claim that their understanding of poverty is the correct one, based on logical argument or scientific research. Poverty is a contested concept. The author argues that poverty is an acceptable state of affairs. Something needs to be done about it. The analysis focuses on theories and policy trajectories directed at improved understanding of government efforts aimed at poverty eradication. Firstly poverty is discussed and how it is impacting on education. This is followed by a theoretical analysis of development conjunctures and a discussion of how the DoE is responding to poverty.