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Rich-poor divide

Definition

The rich-poor divide refers to the economic disparity between the wealthy and poor within a society, region, or country. It's often measured by income inequality.

Analogy

Think of it like a school cafeteria. On one side of the room, you have students with packed gourmet lunches from home (the rich), while on the other side are students who can only afford basic school meals (the poor). The distance between these two groups is the "rich-poor divide."

Related terms

Income Inequality: This term refers to an uneven distribution of income within a population.

Wealth Disparity: This is the unequal distribution of assets among residents or households within an economy.

Poverty Line: This is a set minimum amount of income that a family needs for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities. It varies by location and size of family.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.