Comparative analysis of poverty problems in Serbia and surrounding countries

Abstract

The subject of research in this article is a comparative analysis of the condition, causes and consequences of poverty in Serbia and the surrounding countries. Poverty as a multidimensional phenomenon, on the one hand, implies insufficient income to meet basic living needs, while on the other hand, it also covers various aspects of human rights, such as' inability to employ, inadequate housing and inadequate access to social protection for health, education and communal services. Due to a significant decrease in economic activities, but also due to the effect of numerous noneconomic factors, in the Republic of Serbia and the surrounding countries the last three decades there has been a decrease in the standard of living of the population and a concomitant increase in poverty. The results of the research indicate that economic growth and development, with a proactive role of the state in improving social protection systems, better education and development of social entrepreneurship, are key factors that contribute to employment growth and living standards, and consequently the decrease in the poverty rate.