Absolute Poverty - GCSE Sociology Definition

Absolute poverty refers to a condition where an individual or household lacks the basic necessities required for a minimum standard of living. This means not having enough resources to meet essential needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and clean water, which are vital for survival and health.

Absolute poverty is measured against a fixed standard, often consistent across different countries, and does not change with the living standards or income distribution of a particular society. In GCSE Sociology, understanding absolute poverty is crucial as it highlights the extreme deprivation that affects people globally, influencing their access to opportunities and overall quality of life.