“Poverty”

12th Grade Sociology

What exactly is Poverty?

Definition: circumstance associated with need, hardship, and lack of resources

- usually associated with economics

Two Types of Poverty

Absolute Poverty• Level of poverty at

which minimum standards of living (food, health, shelter) cannot be met

• Most earn less than $1 a day

Relative Poverty• Poverty that is based on

a low standard of living compared to the rest of society

• Lack access to many goods, services, or opportunities

• Leads to social exclusion

• Definition of poverty can vary

Aspects that Effect PovertyRace/Ethnicity

Fact: poverty rate is higher for Blacks/Hispanics

GenderFact: female-headed

households contain higher rates of poverty therefore causing child poverty

Fact: Women earn less and find it harder to find long-term employment

AgeFact: the elderly have a higher level of poverty when compared to rest

DisabledFact: poverty rate is higher than non-disabled