The role of democratic governance in combatting the non-material dimension of poverty

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges to humanity in the current era is persistent and large-scale poverty. In addition to its material (income-based) aspects, poverty has a significant non-material dimension. At this juncture, democratic governance is an important tool towards combating this non-material dimension of poverty. The two major pillars envisaged by democratic governance, namely the 'humane' market and the 'progressive' state, together with institutions as a third part enabling coordination between these two, provide vital benefits in that respect.