Poverty pandemic in Muğla: Severe cuts to kitchen expenses

The economic crisis gripping Turkey is also being felt deeply in Muğla. 

According to research by the Muğla Planning Agency (MUPA), the people of Muğla have been making major cuts to their kitchen, hygiene, clothing, and social expenses. The high rates among women and the elderly were particularly notable.

Ahmet Aras, President of the Union of Aegean Municipalities and Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, shared data on the poverty pandemic in Muğla during a television program he attended. 

KITCHEN EXPENSES ARE BEING CUT

According to the results of the research conducted by MUPA, it was revealed that 57.9% of people in Muğla have cut back on kitchen expenses. While the rate of men saying they have cut kitchen expenses was 51.4%, this rate was seen to be much higher among women at 64.1%. The age group that cut kitchen expenses the most was the 55-64 age group at 69%. This rate was measured at nearly 60% in the group aged 65 and over.

BUYING NEW CLOTHES IS VERY DIFFICULT

One of the effects of the crisis also emerged in the decline in clothing expenditures. 70.8% of the people of Muğla stated that they could not buy new clothes due to the economic crisis.

Similar to the cuts in kitchen expenses, it was observed that the rate of women cutting back on new clothing expenses was higher than that of men. Accordingly, while 75.7% of women stated that they had cut back on clothing and apparel expenses, this rate was measured at around 66% for men. As the age range increased, the decline in new clothing and apparel expenses also increased. While 20.2% of citizens aged 65 and over said they no longer buy any new clothes, 16.1% noted that they had cut their spending in this category significantly, and 35.3% noted that they had reduced their spending compared to the past.

NO SOCIAL LIFE LEFT

The research conducted by the Muğla Planning Agency also measured the impact of the crisis on social and cultural expenditures. 

It was revealed that 70% of citizens living in Muğla have either reduced or completely cut their spending on social and cultural activities. While 74.2% of women stated that they had cut their spending in this area, 65.8% of men gave the same answer. The increase in the rate of those giving up social activities as the age range increased was also notable. It was observed that 72.4% of citizens in the 45-54 age range, 74.9% of citizens in the 55-64 age range, and 72.7% of citizens aged 65 and over had made cuts to these expenses. 

THERE IS ALSO A DECLINE IN HYGIENE AND TRANSPORTATION

MUPA's data revealed that spending on basic human needs has also decreased dramatically. 

Accordingly, while 3 out of every 10 people in Muğla stated that they had cut back on their spending on hygiene products, it was noted that the rate of women saying they had cut back on their spending on hygiene products was 34%. The high rate of citizens cutting back, especially in the 55-64 age range (41.3%), was notable. 

The research on transportation revealed that one in every two people has cut back on transportation expenses. In this area as well, the rate for women (50.5%) was higher than the rate for men (42.4%). In this area, it was measured that people in the 55-64 age range made more cuts than other age groups at 54.2%. 

News Source: 12punto