The analysis of child poverty on the basis of ecosystem perspective

The purpose of this research is to analyze child poverty on the basis of ecosystem perspective and bring suggestions according to the findings. In that context, 11 parents (11 women), 14 children (7 girls and 7 boys) and 28 experts and decision makers were interviewed. The data gathered by semi-structured in-dept interviews were analyzed using MAXQDA 2018. As a result of the data gathered from the subjects, five themes were found. They are 'Perception of Child Poverty', 'Impact of Poverty on Children', 'The Ways Children Cope with Poverty', 'The Perception of Change in Child Poverty with Time' and 'Suggestion of Subjects for Mitigation of Child Poverty'. According to the results of the analysis, children define poverty on the basis of basic needs, whereas parents, experts and decision makers define on the basis of non-basic needs. It is expressed that the most important impact of poverty on children are in terms of education, health and housing. Subjects suggest that children in poverty can cope by using household strategies. Regarding the number of children in poverty in the future, parents, experts and decision makers anticipated increase, whereas children expect decrease. In that context, in the case of Turkey, a council to execute the fight with child poverty should be established, this council should be formed with the participation of relevant ministries, a shared understanding of social justice, equality and distribution must be prioritized and the common language must be at the center of holistic policies that will be made. Afterwards, it is important to empower and authorize local governments. These holistic policies are expected to reach the beneficiaries in an efficient and righteous way by micro and macro programs, models and projects. In the final analysis, support and control mechanisms to control and provide feedback are recommended.