Absolute Poverty

Absolute Poverty refers to a condition where individuals lack the minimum resources required to meet basic human needs such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. It is measured against a universal standard, often defined by a poverty line based on subsistence living. Unlike relative poverty, which considers economic disparity within a society, absolute poverty focuses on survival thresholds and is commonly used to assess global poverty. Sociologists study absolute poverty to understand its causes, impacts on health and well-being, and the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs. Addressing absolute poverty is central to international development goals, aiming to reduce inequality and improve living conditions for the world’s most vulnerable populations.