Digital poverty and the phenomenon of the “working poor”: innovative mechanisms for overcoming social inequality in the conditions of the post-war economy

Abstract

The study provides an in-depth analysis of the transformation of the concept of poverty in the context of global digitalization and post-war economic recovery in Ukraine. Departing from the classical monetary understanding of deprivation, the work focuses on the multidimensional aspects of social inequality: “digital poverty” and the paradox of the “working poor.” It examines the impact of technological isolation, inflationary processes, and the destruction of the industrial base on the marginalization of a significant part of the working-age population. It substantiates the need to move from a passive model of social retention to a policy of inclusive growth. A comprehensive mechanism for overcoming new forms of poverty through labor market modernization, human capital development, digital inclusion, and microenterprise stimulation is proposed.