1.1 Introduction
Poverty refers to a condition in which individuals or groups lack the financial resources and basic necessities required to maintain an acceptable standard of living, including food, shelter, healthcare, and education. It is not only an economic condition but also a social reality that reflects how wealth and resources are distributed within a society. From a Marxist philosophical perspective, poverty is understood as a structural outcome of capitalist production systems rather than an individual failure or moral weakness. Marx explains that under capitalism, the bourgeoisie controls the means of production while the proletariat sells its labor power under exploitative conditions, leading to persistent inequality and poverty (Marx, 1867: 128).
Social justice, on the other hand, refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within society. However, Marxist theory challenges the liberal conception of social justice by arguing that true justice cannot exist in a system where economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few. As Engels notes, the state often functions as an instrument that preserves the interests of the ruling class rather than ensuring equal justice for all citizens (Engels, 1884: 96).
Therefore, the introduction of this study establishes that poverty is not merely an accidental social issue but a systemic condition produced by economic structures that favor capital accumulation over human welfare. It further positions social justice as a contested concept whose realization is hindered by the contradictions of capitalist society. This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, research questions, and the definition of technical terms.
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