Malnutrition in low earners and the artificial lower case of the socio-cultural subsistence level
Malnutrition is no longer a problem for distant countries – it exists among us, covertly, underestimated and even forced through political decisions. Low income groups and social welfare recipients are particularly affected, whose difficult situation is downplayed by official figures and standard rates. The German law guarantees a socio-culturalSubsistence level, which is artificially restricted by state calculations, so that many people have to live with feelings of hunger every month despite the workforce or reference to help.
Insufficient assessment basis – outdated data bases and their consequences
The assessment of standard rates for initial equipment, livelihood and, above all, nutrition is often based on outdated, statistically limited surveys. The cost of living increases faster than the reference data is adjusted. Food prices, especially for fresh, healthy food, vary greatly from region to region and are often at least twice as high as in the estimatesintended for social benefits. A balanced diet that would meet the standards of nutrition societies costs far more than low-income or transfer benefit recipients have available.
Everyday costs devour budget and create hunger traps
Social benefits and minimum wages should cover the basic needs. In reality, however, other costs have to be covered in addition to food: travel expenses for doctor’s appointments, school trips or workplaces, ancillary living costs, unforeseeable expenses for medication. If these items consume the budget for nutrition, there is little left at the actual eating. Low earners are in frontChoosing to pay for the necessary mobility with feelings of hunger or to ration food.
Flat rate offset covers individual needs
The calculation of the standard rates is based on flat rates and averages that do not allow for differences in the household composition, illness or special needs. Families with children, chronically ill people or living alone are confronted with the same or marginally deviating amounts. The result is that those affected are fighting with additional burdens,which are not visible in official figures, which is still obscuring the extent of malnutrition.
A serious mistake lies in the use of the output data of poor households as the basis for the design. The observation of low nutritional expenses is declared the norm without checking for emergencies. This is how an error arises that reproduces itself: The low budgets are forcing poor nutrition, low nutritional expenditure confirms the assumptionlow demands.
Stigmatization and Barriers – Hunger as a Social Load
Malnutrition is not only a physical threat, but also a source of social isolation and shame. Anyone who lives on an empty stomach but is still considered “lazy” or “sluggish” bears an additional burden. The bureaucratic hurdles for social support exacerbate the problem. Psychosocial damage, the ability to work and the chance of social participation are threatened in the long termsink.
Healthcare costs and profit of health systems
Malnutrition significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or weakened immune systems are long-term consequences that would be avoidable through an adequate diet. The follow-up costs, in turn, lie with the general public; The savings from low rule rates do not pay for themselves, but increase healthcare spendingand labor market.
Breach of trust in the rule of law and the welfare state
When the socio-cultural subsistence level enshrined in the Basic Law falls below the threshold that enables a humane life, the question of the rule of law raises. Poor rule rates have an incapacitating effect and damage confidence in social security systems. This creates doubts about the legitimacy of the political leader, while those affected and their familiesincreasingly feel like they are being let down by their own authorities. The situation clearly shows: Malnutrition is not a coincidence, but the result of systematic errors in the assessment and implementation of social standards. A human society must no longer allow the prices, expenses and principles of a healthy diet to be systematically small and theirCitizens so vital basics are denied. A radical rethinking process in social policy is urgently needed.
