Question

Is there one definition of poverty? What are a few different definitions of poverty, how might varying definitions effect attitudes towards the existence of poverty in our society?

Answer 1

There are various definition to poverty but poverty is essentially the lack of the means to live.

Some of its definitions are

Povertyis an enforced lack of socially perceived necessities, caused by limited material resource.

Poverty has two elements: financialand/or economic disadvantage for an individual or household; and inequality of opportunity where the expectations of the poor and disadvantaged are well below community norms and expectations.

While financial disadvantage is an important part of the problems for the poor and disadvantaged, equally important is the inequality of opportunity. It is this lack of opportunity which brings about poverty and/or prevents people from escaping the poverty cycle.

Poverty includes social, psychological and spiritual dimensions, in addition to financial hardsip , poverty also takes into account the ability of person to function as a full member of society. It is not just a matter of being unable to buy things, but of being unable to participate – of being excluded and isolated from one's fellow human beings.

Poverty is both, thelack of access to an adequate material standard of living (in terms of food, shelter, clothing and health) resulting primarily, but not only, from inadequate income; and

the lack of opportunity to participate fully in society (for example through employment, education, recreation and social relationships).

Attitude of people also varies with varying definition.

If poverty is defined as absolute, i.e. based in basic need then people attitude will be more sympathetic towards poor while if it is defined in terms of relative poverty which measure inequality , people attitude will be less sympathetic, and it may be ignorant too.