Nowadays, the concept of poverty is no longer an exclusively economic phenomenon but is transforming into a multifaceted issue.

Redefining Poverty and Social Identity in Modern Society

Nowadays, the concept of poverty is no longer an exclusively economic phenomenon but is transforming into a multifaceted issue. Today, the focus is not only on material aspects but also on matters of social isolation, the accessibility of services, and the ability to form connections within society. The modern approach clearly shifts away from traditional vertical structures—where status was defined by rigid social roles—toward more flexible, horizontal relationships, in which interactions occur between individuals in similar economic and social conditions. We observe that the wealthy interact primarily among themselves, while those facing hardships form their own communities, giving rise to new forms of social self-identification and widening the gap between different segments of the population.

Furthermore, perceptions of material roles have evolved: in a consumer society, every person simultaneously becomes both a consumer and a commodity, influencing contemporary culture and lifestyles. This dynamic process not only underscores the pursuit of a new understanding of social justice but also opens unique opportunities to rethink traditional structures in an ever-changing reality.

What changes in attitudes toward poverty and social status are observed in modern society compared to the past?

In today’s society, there are significant shifts in the understanding of poverty and social status compared to the past. Previously, poverty was viewed primarily as an economic phenomenon, closely tied to strictly defined hierarchies and fixed roles within the social structure. Today, the concept of poverty has become more multifaceted—it encompasses not only issues of material sufficiency but also aspects of social isolation, access to services, and overall social ties.

For instance, one study notes:
"In modern psychology and sociology, numerous studies can be identified that focus on issues of poverty and social status. Contemporary researchers typically define poverty not only in economic terms but also include aspects of social isolation, the accessibility of social services, and the society overall... the growing inequality within societies."
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Additionally, modern society is characterized by a fundamentally new approach to social connections, where relationships are built horizontally. Unlike in past eras—when social status was determined by rigid vertical ties—today’s acquaintances and relationships, especially under conditions of economic inequality, tend to form within narrow circles: the wealthy interact exclusively withers, and those facing economic hardships tend to socialize amongst themselves. As stated:
"In today’s world, networks and relationships are established and maintained exclusively horizontally; among the rich, solely with other rich individuals, and among the poor, exclusively with one another."
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Moreover, the meaning of material roles in modern society is also changing. In the past, social identity was closely linked to one’s position within strictly structured systems (for example, in slaveholding societies where individuals had clearly defined roles). Today, as noted,
"in modern consumer society, every person, regardless of their status, is both a consumer and a commodity!"
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Thus, modern approaches to poverty and social status reflect a shift from narrow economic definitions toward a more comprehensive perspective—encompassing material, social, and cultural dimensions. This transition is accompanied by an increasing divide between social classes and the emergence of new forms of social self-identification based on personal choice and contemporary economic realities.

Supporting citation(s):
"In modern psychology and sociology, numerous studies can be identified that focus on issues of poverty and social status. Contemporary researchers typically define poverty not only in economic terms but also include aspects of social isolation, the accessibility of social services, and the society overall... the growing inequality within societies." (source: link txt)

"In today’s world, networks and relationships are established and maintained exclusively horizontally; among the rich, solely with other rich individuals, and among the poor, exclusively with one another." (source: link txt)

"In modern consumer society, every person, regardless of their status, is both a consumer and a commodity!" (source: link txt)