The Dimensions of Working Poverty in the World and in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Even though employment is one of the primary factors in dealing with poverty, it is not a sufficient factor alone. Working poverty is an issue that many countries combat today. However, it should be underlined that, the problem is mainly the affair of low-income countries. The micro and macro structures of the countries and the globalization process have made the problem more visible especially in the last decades. The issue is more intense in regions where self-employment and unpaid family work are widespread. Working poverty is an unheeded problem in Turkey as the related rate is quite high in comparison with European Union (EU) and OECD countries. The main objective of this chapter is to determine and investigate the dimensions and determinants of working poverty in the world and in Turkey, and additionally, to develop policy recommendations specific to Turkey. It is observed with the study that increasing the supports for agriculture, extensive social security coverage for agricultural workers and a comprehensive employment reform which targets to raise the minimum wage above the poverty threshold, increase female employment and reduce unregistered employment can be the privileged remedies that can significantly alleviate the problem in Turkey. © Peter Lang GmbH Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften Berlin 2020. All rights reserved.