Poverty Is Not a Choice, but a Consequence of Socio-Economic Factors
Poverty Is Not a Choice, but a Consequence of Socio-Economic Factors

Summary/Abstract: Income poverty has long represented a serious socio-economic challenge in Slovakia, with its prevalence and intensity varying markedly across different segments of the population. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of three selected socio-economic factors on the risk of income poverty in Slovakia. The research applies a quantitative approach, drawing on secondary data analysis covering the period from 2013 to 2024. The analysis employs methods of descriptive statistics, the Shapiro–Wilk test of normality, Welch’s ANOVA with subsequent Games-Howell post-hoc tests, the Mann–Whitney U test, and simple linear regression. The findings reveal statistically significant differences between regions and educational attainment levels, with the lowest risk of income poverty observed in the Bratislava region and among individuals with tertiary education. Economic activity emerged as the strongest predictor. The results underline the need for targeted regional and educational policies and highlight the critical role of employment as a means of social inclusion.

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