ANALYSIS OF THE FACTORS CAUSING POVERTY IN MEDAN MARELAN DISTRICT (A CASE STUDY OF PAYA PASIR URBAN VILLAGE)

Abstract

This study aims to identify the factors contributing to poverty in Paya Pasir Village, Medan Marelan District. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving 96 households selected from a population of 2,653 low-income households using the Slovin formula. Data were collected through field observations and interviews and analyzed descriptively. The results show that natural factors were the dominant cause of poverty, reported by 59.38% of respondents, followed by structural (22.92%) and cultural factors (17.70%). The study also identified challenges in the implementation of poverty alleviation programs, particularly the targeting of the Family Hope Program (PKH). Respondents indicated that assistance was not always distributed equitably or transparently, with some eligible low-income households reportedly excluded while relatively better-off households received assistance.