Poverty as a threat to the region economic security

Abstract

Poverty is currently one of the most pressing socio-economic issues not only on a national scale but also on a regional level, as it is one of the key parameters for shaping the economic security of a particular territory. This paper provides a comparative analysis of main methodological approaches to assessing the poverty level, resulted in the conclusion that quantitative indicators of poverty in a region depend on the approach used to measure them. A comprehensive assessment of the poverty level in the Jewish Autonomous Region is provided based on such key indicators as income level and consumption structure; the number of people with incomes below the subsistence level; income differentiation indicators (income differentiation coefficient; income concentration index; the ratio of per capita monetary income, average monthly accrued wages and average assigned monthly pension to the subsistence level); the structure of the poor population and poverty risk indices by place of residence, by age group, and in relation to employment. The study covers the period from 2018 to 2024, identifying key trends in poverty and threats to economic security in the region. Key challenges and disparities in the socioeconomic development of the Jewish Autonomous Region were also identified: slow growth in real incomes, leading to a decline in purchasing power and quality of life; changing demand and consumption structures, declining investment potential; growing social inequality, and several other factors. The study concludes that economic inequality in the region requires comprehensive measures aimed at reducing the gap between rich and poor, creating equal access to education and healthcare, and ensuring a fair distribution of regional resources. It is also essential to develop the regional economy in a way that stimulates the creation of new jobs and ensures income growth for all segments of the population. This can be achieved through supporting entrepreneurship, investing in innovation, and developing social programs aimed at promoting social mobility.