Absolute Poverty

Question 1

Defintion

Answer 1

When people lack the basic physical necessities of life

They are too poor to afford necessary food, warmth, clothing and shelter

Question 2

Measured

Answer 2

By income level
If income is not sufficient to pay for basic essentials then people are said to be living in absolute poverty

This is called a Budget Standard Measurement, people in absolute poverty have an insufficient budget for existence

Question 3

Positives

Answer 3

Scientific and objective definition- can be no debate, eg conditions such as homelessness can be clearly seen

Fixed universal definition- can be used for measuring and comparing levels of poverty today with those in the past

Easily understood and recognisable definition of poverty

Question 4

Criticisms

Answer 4

Difficult to establish what the minimum needs of society should be eg view differ on what constitutes as an adequate diet

Assumes that basic needs never change

assumes everyone has same basic need

Absolute measurements do not measure cultural needs of society