Defination of Poverty

 

 

There is not one agreed definition of poverty as there are many differing opinions of what poverty is. Poverty is defined in terms of the society where it takes place as what people can eat, and where they can live, depend on the society they live in. However, there are two main ways to define what poverty is: absolute and relative poverty. Absolute poverty would refer to those who are severely deprived of basic human needs, such as food, drinking water and shelter. 'An absolute standard means one defined by reference to the actual needs of the poor and not by reference to the expenditure of those who are not poor. A family is poor if it cannot afford to eat.' (Keith Joseph 1979). However, relative poverty describes those who lack things in comparison to others in the same society.’to have one bowl of rice in a society where all other people have half a bowl may well be a sign of achievement and intelligence... To have five bowls of rice in a society where the majority has a decent, balanced diet is a tragedy.' (Harrington 1962 The Other America). New Right politicians believe there is only absolute poverty, whilst Social Democratic politicians have tended to favour relative definitions. To ensure society is living above the poverty line basic needs to need to be met. Normative needs are identified according to norms or general set standards. These standards are usually set by experts, for example local authorities have to ensure that their standard of housing is fit for living in.  Comparative needs concerns problems which emerge by comparing with others who are not in need. One of the most common uses of this approach has been the comparison of social problems in different areas in order to determine which areas are most deprived. (s-cool.co.uk accessed 1 November 2012).

 

 

 Absolute Poverty

Relative Poverty