Relative Poverty

Question 1

Defintion

Answer 1

This is when people are poor in relation to the average living standards of a country. This type of poverty exists when people are not able to participate in the
community’s normal or average style of living e.g. not being able to afford school uniforms, Christmas presents,

People are deprived in relation to the lifestyle of
the majority in society. This type of poverty is relative to
a particular time and place i.e. it constantly changes.

Relative poverty means some people are socially excluded; this means people are denied access to essential services and important areas of society e.g. they do not
participate in society’s key institutions such as banks, schools and health services.

Question 2

Measured

Answer 2

Through a deprivation index; a list of items that people should be able to afford in
order to participate fully in society. E.g. a best outfit, a mobile phone, a meal out once a month. If people cannot afford a number of items on the index (e.g. 3), they are said to be living in poverty.

Relative poverty can also be measured in terms of income level. Those with a
household income that is less than 60% of the national median level are said to
be in poverty according to government measurements. This is used by the
government to measure poverty.

Question 3

positives

Answer 3

Relative poverty is dynamic:
Just as society is always changing so must the definition of poverty. In the 21st century absolute poverty is not an appropriate measurement for the UK as
poverty is more than just destitute (with nothing) living.

Relative poverty takes
into account the dynamic nature of poverty.

The concept of relative poverty was used by Townsend in his 1979 study and he said, “any definition of poverty must be related to the needs and demands of a changing society.” As society is always changing, so are people’s needs: “Luxuries become comforts,
comforts become necessities.” (Rubinow) give e.g. Only a relative measurement of poverty can satisfy the changing expectations of modern life

Question 4

positives 2

Answer 4

takes into account the cultural needs of society: to participate in normal lifestyle people must have access to health, education

Os a consensual measurement: measured by a deprivation index and based on judgements made by society

Question 5

negatives

Answer 5

too subjective, definition depends on judgements and opinions

Will never disappear if measured on these terms

Very difficulty to make accurate measurement, deprivation index gives no detail