Absolute and Relative Poverty

Question 1

Define ‘absolute poverty’.

Answer 1

Measures poverty in relation to the amount
of money necessary to meet basic needs such as food,
clothing, and shelter (UN 1995), e.g. having a minimum acceptable standard of living.

Question 2

Define ‘relative poverty’.

Answer 2

• Poverty in relation to the economic status of other members of the society: a person cannot afford an “ordinary living pattern”.
• 60% of the median income of the population

Question 3

How is relative poverty linked to social exclusion?

Answer 3

• Being excluded from the activities and opportunities that the average person enjoys.
• Go out with friends or invite them to your house
• Go on holiday