Fractal poverty traps

US: short-term income losses push poor below a poverty line for a relatively brief period of time. “New poor” are generated elsewhere.

African nations: persistent poverty. Over time, little change.

Fractal poverty traps

Persistent poverty at household, community, national and international scales.

Individual: without good health, you can’t do work. Without work, you cant afford healthcare

Household: without childcare, you miss work. Without work, you can’t afford child care.

Community: without pooling resources, can’t create childcare center. Without childcare…

National: without tax base, can’t engage in job-creation programs. Without jobs…

International: economy based on natural resources creates over-harvesting.

Fractal poverty traps: harmful positive feedback is nested at multiple scales