ABSOLUTE POVERTY AND RELATIVE POVERTY

Definition of Absolute Poverty and Relative Poverty

Absolute poverty – is a condition where household income is below a necessary level to
maintain basic living standards (food, shelter, housing).
Relative poverty – A condition where household income is a certain percentage below median
incomes.

Example of Absolute Poverty and Relative Poverty

Absolute Poverty
 Absolute poverty is caused by debt, world population increases, natural disasters,
conflicts, and child labor. An example of absolute poverty includes a 12-year-old boy
who has never been to see a doctor or attended school.
Relative Poverty
 Causes of relative poverty include unemployment, poor health, and inequalities within
the labor market. An example of someone in relative poverty is a person who does not
have a job and relies on government assistance to maintain.

Difference Between Absolute Poverty and Relative Poverty

Absolute Poverty Relative Poverty

Any person not in a position to obtain
essential commodities like food, shelter and
clothing are said to experience absolute
poverty.
Income Level is considered in Absolute
Poverty
Absolute poverty, however, does not include a
broader quality of life issues or the overall
level of inequality in society. What the
concept fails to recognize is that individuals
also have important social and cultural needs.
Measured using Poverty Line
It is not possible to completely eradicate
absolute
Quality of life is poor
Relative poverty does not concentrate on
biological needs but rather makes a
comparison between two people in the
environment
It is not considered when measuring relative
poverty as a person will still be considered
poor despite meeting his/her basic needs
Although people living in relative poverty are
to an extent well-off compared to those living
in absolute poverty, they still cannot afford
the same standard of life as other people in
society.
Measured Using the Gini-Coefficient and
Lorenzo Curve
There is a small margin of success where its
eradication is concerned
Quality of life is marginally better as those
living under relative poverty have access to
health care services

Reference:
Pettinger, T. (13 August 2020). Definition of Absolute and Relative Poverty.
www.economicshelp.org. Retrieved from
https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/glossary/definition-of-absolute-and-relative-poverty/.
Byjus Exam Prep. Difference Between Absolute Poverty and Relative Poverty. Retrieved from
https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/difference-between-absolute-poverty-and-relative-poverty/