Absolute poverty

Definition

Absolute poverty refers to a condition where an individual or family lacks the minimum resources necessary to meet basic needs for survival, including food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and shelter. This state of deprivation is often measured against a fixed poverty line, which varies by country but generally reflects an inability to secure essential living standards. Understanding absolute poverty helps to illuminate broader issues related to income inequality and global disparities in wealth and access to resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absolute poverty affects more than 700 million people globally, particularly in developing countries where access to resources is severely limited.
2. The World Bank defines the international poverty line for absolute poverty at $1.90 per day, indicating the minimum amount of money needed to meet basic needs.
3. Individuals living in absolute poverty often face higher risks of malnutrition, disease, and inadequate healthcare due to their limited financial resources.
4. Efforts to combat absolute poverty include initiatives aimed at improving access to education, healthcare services, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
5. Gender plays a significant role in absolute poverty, as women and girls often face additional barriers that limit their access to education and employment opportunities.

Review Questions

• How does absolute poverty differ from relative poverty in terms of measurement and societal impact?
  • Absolute poverty is measured against a fixed standard that determines the minimum resources necessary for survival, while relative poverty considers an individual's income in comparison to the average within their society. This distinction impacts how we understand social issues: absolute poverty highlights critical survival needs that must be addressed immediately, whereas relative poverty focuses on social inequality and the ability to participate fully in community life. Both concepts are important for formulating effective policies to reduce poverty levels.
• What are the main challenges faced by individuals living in absolute poverty, and how do these challenges perpetuate cycles of disadvantage?
  • Individuals living in absolute poverty encounter numerous challenges such as lack of access to clean water, inadequate nutrition, poor healthcare, and insufficient shelter. These conditions not only threaten their immediate survival but also hinder their ability to improve their circumstances over time. For example, without education or job opportunities, those in absolute poverty may remain trapped in low-wage work or unemployment, creating a cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to escape. Addressing these interconnected issues is crucial for breaking the cycle of absolute poverty.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of global initiatives aimed at reducing absolute poverty and discuss potential improvements that could enhance their impact.
  • Global initiatives like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals aim to eradicate extreme poverty by addressing its root causes through sustainable economic growth, improved education, and healthcare access. While there have been notable successes in reducing absolute poverty rates globally, challenges remain due to political instability, climate change impacts, and unequal resource distribution. To enhance effectiveness, these initiatives could focus on localizing solutions that involve community engagement and empowerment, ensuring that interventions are culturally relevant and sustainable over the long term.

Related terms

relative poverty: Relative poverty is a condition where an individual's income or resources are significantly lower than the average within a society, limiting their ability to participate in normal activities and access essential services.

poverty line: The poverty line is a specific income threshold used to determine whether an individual or family falls below the level required to maintain basic living standards, often set by governments or international organizations.

multidimensional poverty: Multidimensional poverty is a measure that considers various factors beyond income, such as education, health, and living standards, to assess the overall well-being of individuals and families.