Absolute poverty

Definition

Absolute poverty refers to a condition where an individual or a household lacks the minimum resources necessary to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. This form of poverty is measured against a fixed standard, often defined by a specific income threshold, which reflects the amount needed to ensure survival and well-being. It emphasizes not just economic deprivation but also the critical impact it has on human dignity and health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Around 9.2% of the world's population lives in absolute poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day, according to the World Bank.
2. Absolute poverty affects individuals' access to essential services like healthcare, education, and clean water, leading to significant long-term consequences for health and productivity.
3. The concept of absolute poverty is globally recognized, enabling international organizations to address poverty issues through targeted aid and development programs.
4. Geographical disparities exist in absolute poverty rates, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia having the highest concentrations of people living in absolute poverty.
5. Efforts to eradicate absolute poverty include sustainable development goals (SDGs) which aim to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030.

Review Questions

• How does absolute poverty differ from relative poverty, and why is this distinction important in understanding economic inequality?
  • Absolute poverty is focused on the lack of resources needed for basic survival, while relative poverty considers one's economic status in comparison to others within society. This distinction is crucial because it highlights different aspects of poverty; absolute poverty emphasizes survival and fundamental needs, whereas relative poverty addresses social inclusion and inequality. Understanding both helps policymakers develop comprehensive strategies that address not just survival but also social justice and equity.
• Discuss the implications of living in absolute poverty on an individual's health and education opportunities.
  • Living in absolute poverty severely restricts access to adequate healthcare and educational resources. Individuals may struggle to afford basic nutrition and sanitation, leading to malnutrition and disease. Educational opportunities are also compromised as families may prioritize immediate survival over schooling costs, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. This lack of access creates barriers that hinder both personal development and the overall socio-economic progress of communities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current global initiatives aimed at reducing absolute poverty, considering both successes and challenges.
  • Global initiatives aimed at reducing absolute poverty, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have seen both successes and challenges. Programs focused on economic growth, education, and healthcare improvements have lifted millions out of absolute poverty. However, persistent issues like political instability, climate change impacts, and pandemics complicate these efforts. Moreover, the unequal distribution of resources often leads to varying success rates across different regions, requiring adaptive strategies that are sensitive to local contexts.

Related terms

Relative Poverty:

Relative poverty is defined in relation to the economic status of other people in society, indicating that individuals or families may lack the minimum resources compared to others, even if they can meet basic survival needs.

Poverty Line: The poverty line is a specific income threshold set by governments or organizations to determine who is considered to be living in poverty, often adjusted for inflation and changes in cost of living.

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):

The Multidimensional Poverty Index is a measure that assesses poverty through various deprivations in education, health, and living standards, rather than relying solely on income metrics.