Explain the terms 'Relative poverty', 'Absolute Poverty' and 'Culture of Poverty'.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Poverty and Deprivation.

1. Explain the terms 'Relative poverty', 'Absolute Poverty' and 'Culture of Poverty'.

Absolute (or subsistence) Poverty is a term used to describe poverty that is measured as being without the resources to maintain health and physical efficiency. Basic human needs such as an amount of food, clothes and shelter are ways that 'being in' absolute poverty is measured. "a family is poor if it cannot afford to eat". (Keith Joseph, 1979). The concept of absolute poverty was developed by Rowntree in the 19th century. Usually measured as a minimum sum of money. Rowntree's early studies of York and Booth's Life and Labour in east London are both examples of a calculation of resources (money) needed to meet the needs of survival, therefore being classified as either 'in' or 'not in' absolute poverty.Absolute poverty is perhaps more linked to malnutrition which is particular important to developing countries and as Sen (1982) argues when looking at the whole world. "Malnutrition captures only one aspect of our idea of poverty... (but). must have a central place in the conception of poverty".

Much sociological research looks at relative rather than absolute poverty. Harrington 1962 wrote in 'The Other