Experiencing Poverty

In the Netherlands, nearly one million people live below the poverty line, while many more households struggle to make ends meet. Financial problems have a major impact on daily life and can lead to health problems, social isolation and even severe stress. Yet there is still much misunderstanding and prejudice about poverty. People in poverty are often unfairly seen as lazy or irresponsible, while circumstances such as illness, loss or divorce are often the cause. Moreover, constant worrying about money makes it difficult to look ahead and make good choices.

To create greater understanding and awareness, this research is developing a virtual reality (VR) simulation that immerses users in the life of someone struggling financially. This experience allows people-from the general public to policymakers-to experience what it is like to live in poverty in a direct and personal way. This can help break down existing prejudices and deepen the conversation about poverty.

The research focuses on designing a VR experience that is as realistic and immersive as possible, so that users feel truly “present” in the simulated situation. It also explores how best to test and evaluate this experience, using both qualitative feedback from users and quantitative measurement methods. Because the budget is limited, the researchers are building a prototype first, which can be expanded and improved later.

This project brings together knowledge about poverty, communication and VR technology, with the goal of developing a powerful tool that contributes to greater social empathy and understanding for people in financial insecurity.

€69,831 will be used as a PPP program grant.