Topic Summaries

Defining and measuring poverty

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Work, poverty, and welfare > Defining and measuring poverty
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Exam overview
  • Absolute poverty: defined by the World Bank as lacking basic necessities for survival, measured globally at living under $2.15 per day. In the UK, assessed by whether a household can afford a basket of essential goods.
    • Rare in the UK but remains a global problem with severe consequences.
  • Relative poverty: (👤 Townsend, 1979) poverty measured in relation to typical living standards. Defined in the UK/ EU as income below 60% of median after housing costs.
    • Captures social exclusion but can fluctuate with economic change.
  • Social exclusion: being cut off from the social, economic, and political life of society. Includes lack of services, powerlessness, and limited opportunities.
    • Broader than income poverty but harder to measure consistently.

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