The poverty line is measured by adding up the expenses covering the spending that a family of 4 has to make in order to lead a normal life and continue its life at an acceptable level.
According to the report of TURK-ISH, while the hunger limit was 3,149.89 TL in September 2021, it was 7,245.18 TL in September 2022. While the poverty line was calculated as 10.260.23 TL in September 2021, it was determined as 23,599.93 TL in September 2022. The same report determined the expenditure cost of a single employee to survive as 9,470 TL.
First all, people must meet their needs for shelter, clothing and nutrition. The problem that arises in meeting any of these needs can lead to imbalance in individuals. The imbalance that occurs in one individual multiplies and spreads to other individuals, leading to social chaos.
The result of the analyzes made is quite interesting. Because 6 million out of 15 million employees in Turkiye work for minimum wage. The minimum wage has been determined as 5,500 TL net as of July 2022. Well, in this case, how is it possible for 1 person working with minimum wage (even if he/she is single) to meet his expenses? The answer is quite simple. Necessary steps must be taken as soon as possible in order to eliminate individual imbalances and prevent social chaos.
Asst. Prof. Burcu SAVAŞ CELIK
The Department of International Trade and Business
