Across the world, at least one billion children live in poverty. There are at least three billion people in the world living on less than $2.50. (Shah, 2013) Poverty is visible all over the world. Carl and Belanger (2012) argue that poverty occurs when the distribution of wealth is not equally distributed among all groups of people. Poverty in Canada is defined as poor quality food, sleeping in poor quality housing, parks or city streets and, on a daily basis, it is difficult to make decisions about what is best for you and your family. Living in poverty will reduce your life expectancy and health, and could lead to criminal offenses simply to stay alive. Aboriginal people, immigrants from other countries, people with disabilities, single parents, especially women, and injured workers are more likely to live in poverty. (Canada Without Poverty, 2014) Research has shown that living in poverty is not about the failure of an individual, but about the failure of government and the elite systems around them. When political and economic systems do not provide wages or social assistance benefits, it is difficult for the individual to escape poverty. Additionally, when public policy does not provide individuals with affordable housing, child care, or health and social services, it can still leave them in poverty. Using conflict theory, sociologists can determine the causes and effects of poverty. (Carl/Bélanger, 2012)Carl and Belanger (2012) state that “conflict theory is a theoretical framework that defines society as a system of interdependent parts.” (p. 8) Conflict theorists believe that we live in a world where there are not enough resources to go around and where people who... middle of paper ...... judge a person in poverty based on what we see on the outside. Sociologists around the world are researching and proposing theories to help prevent poverty numbers from rising. Theories evolve according to the current state of society. Not all theories of conflict theorists are relevant to today's society because our society is different than when they first conducted their research. The ideas of these theorists formed a basis for how society unequally distributes its wealth and power. Today's society is capitalist, but changes are being made to fight poverty in Canada. (MacDonald, 1963) There are organizations that provide support and basic necessities to poor people. It is difficult for people living in poverty to make change and get out of it, but with the government's help in dividing wealth, poverty could be significantly reduced..