Illiteracy and extreme poverty by income in Ecuador

Abstract

Illiteracy and extreme income poverty in many regions of the world create a perpetual cycle of inequality and deprivation. Lack of basic skills not only limits individuals' employment opportunities, but also their ability to fully integrate into society and make informed decisions that positively impact their well-being. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of the illiteracy rate on extreme income poverty in Ecuador. The methodology used was quantitative with an explanatory approach. Data were collected from the National Institute of Statistics and Census and the National Survey of Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment for the period 2018-2023, with the exception of the year 2020 due to the pandemic that affected the months of April to August. Notable fluctuations in extreme income poverty rates among various provinces in Ecuador were analyzed. The stability in the illiteracy rate, together with the continued growth in extreme income poverty, reflected a complex scenario for socioeconomic development, and showed that other economic and social factors significantly influenced living conditions. The illiteracy rate signaled continuing challenges in the education sector, while the increase in extreme poverty underscored the urgent need for policies that address both education and economic conditions to substantially improve social welfare.