The study deals with the space differentiation of poverty at micro level and interregional level, that is, in the Slovak localities and regions. At the same time it pays attention to the nature of poverty and its main characteristics indicating what groups are the most handicapped and where they are located. Identification of the centres and regions of poverty constitutes an important starting point for the search of the solutions and creating the programs of gradual reduction of poverty in the localities and districts. The method of the multiple deprivations was used in the spatial analysis at both levels (identification of centres and regions of poverty). The data used in the contribution are based on the results of the Census of inhabitants, houses and apartments (2001) referring to all districts and localities in Slovakia. On the basis of the obtained results of multiple derivations were identified in Slovakia 24 districts (from the whole number of 72) and 419 localities (from the whole number of 2883) with a higher level of poverty. Poverty in those districts and localities has been connected with the various historical, natural, political, economical and social phenomena and processes. It is characterized by many common attributes. In general poverty prevails in the country-side; children are affected in higher degree; poverty is most noticeable in the Roma minority; it is characterized by feminization and it is connected with a job market or employment in primary sector. The recognition of spatial dimension of poverty, its characteristics and main attributes is important in creating programs of gradual reduction of poverty in the handicapped localities and districts (help offered to them might be more focused and effective).
The first part of the contribution deals with the various theoretical concepts of poverty. It pays attention especially to the concepts of absolute and relative poverty, the concept of social exclusion and inclusion and the concept of culture of poverty. It presents a review of the basic theses as well as some comparisons and the critical considerations. The second part is dedicated to the problem of poverty in Slovakia from the point of view of the mentioned concepts. It deals with specifics of the country, with its historical, cultural, social and political context and tries to recognize the signs of the mentioned concepts in Slovak environment.
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