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Understanding Poverty: Definitions, Measurement, and Global Perspectives

At a Glance

Title: Understanding Poverty: Definitions, Measurement, and Global Perspectives

Total Categories: 4

Category Stats

  • Conceptualizing Poverty: Definitions and Historical Roots: 15 flashcards, 21 questions
  • Absolute Poverty: Global and National Thresholds: 24 flashcards, 34 questions
  • Relative Poverty, Basic Needs, and Social Dimensions: 8 flashcards, 14 questions
  • Measurement Challenges, Criticisms, and Policy Implications: 7 flashcards, 12 questions

Total Stats

  • Total Flashcards: 54
  • True/False Questions: 49
  • Multiple Choice Questions: 32
  • Total Questions: 81

Instructions

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Welcome to Your Curriculum Command Center

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Step 1: Laying the Foundation (The Authoring Tools)

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⚙️ Kit Manager: Your Kit's Identity

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Step 2: The Magic (The Generator Suite)

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Study Guide: Understanding Poverty: Definitions, Measurement, and Global Perspectives

Study Guide: Understanding Poverty: Definitions, Measurement, and Global Perspectives

Conceptualizing Poverty: Definitions and Historical Roots

The poverty threshold is defined as the minimum income level required for an average adult to afford non-essential luxury goods in a specific region.

Answer: False

The poverty threshold is defined as the minimum income level required to afford essential necessities, not non-essential luxury goods, within a specific region.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the fundamental definition of a poverty threshold, often referred to as the poverty line?: The poverty threshold, often termed the poverty line, represents the minimum income level deemed adequate to sustain life in a particular geographic context. It is typically established by estimating the aggregate annual cost of essential necessities for an average adult.
  • What is the primary relative poverty line used by the EU and OECD?: The main poverty line used by the European Union and the OECD is based on 'economic distance,' typically set at 60% of the median household income.
  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.

Charles Booth popularized the concept of a poverty line in Britain by setting it at a level sufficient for comfortable living, including leisure activities.

Answer: False

Charles Booth investigated poverty in London and established a poverty line, but it was based on the minimum necessary for subsistence, not comfortable living or leisure activities.

Related Concepts:

  • Who is credited with popularizing the concept of a poverty line in Britain through investigations in London around the turn of the 20th century?: Charles Booth, a social reformer, is credited with popularizing the concept of a poverty line through his extensive investigations in London at the turn of the 20th century.

Seebohm Rowntree's definition of poverty focused solely on the lack of income, regardless of how it was spent.

Answer: False

Seebohm Rowntree distinguished between primary poverty (lack of income) and secondary poverty (inadequate spending of income), indicating his definition was not solely focused on income level.

Related Concepts:

  • What contribution did Seebohm Rowntree make to the understanding of poverty lines?: Seebohm Rowntree, a British sociological researcher, defined a poverty line based on the minimum weekly sum required to secure the necessaries for a healthy life, calculating this based on the cheapest prices for minimum caloric and nutritional intake.
  • What distinction did Rowntree make regarding different types of poverty?: Rowntree distinguished between 'primary poverty,' which occurs when a household lacks sufficient income to meet basic needs, and 'secondary poverty,' where a household has adequate income but spends it on non-essential items, thus failing to meet basic needs.
  • What was Peter Townsend's definition of poverty published in 1979?: In 1979, Peter Townsend defined poverty as a condition where individuals lack the resources to obtain the diet, participate in the activities, and maintain the living conditions and amenities that are customary or widely approved in their societies.

Relative poverty is defined as having an income significantly below the global average income.

Answer: False

Relative poverty is defined in relation to the income distribution within a specific society, typically below a certain percentage of the median income, not necessarily the global average.

Related Concepts:

  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.
  • How does the concept of 'moderate poverty' relate to relative poverty?: The term 'relative poverty' can also refer to 'moderate poverty,' which describes a standard of living or income level that is sufficient to meet basic needs but is still significantly lower than that of the majority in the population.
  • What assumption underlies the measurement of relative poverty?: The measurement of relative poverty is based on the assumption that whether someone is considered poor depends on their income relative to the income shares of others in the same economy, taking the social and economic environment into account.

The measurement of relative poverty assumes that poverty is determined by an individual's income relative to others in their society.

Answer: True

The measurement of relative poverty is predicated on the assumption that an individual's economic standing is defined by their income in comparison to the prevailing income levels within their societal context.

Related Concepts:

  • What assumption underlies the measurement of relative poverty?: The measurement of relative poverty is based on the assumption that whether someone is considered poor depends on their income relative to the income shares of others in the same economy, taking the social and economic environment into account.
  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.
  • Which international organizations commonly use the relative poverty measure?: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UNICEF, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Canadian poverty researchers commonly use the relative poverty measure.

The European Union and OECD commonly use a relative poverty line set at 75% of the median household income.

Answer: False

The European Union and OECD commonly employ a relative poverty line set at 60% of the median household income, not 75%.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the primary relative poverty line used by the EU and OECD?: The main poverty line used by the European Union and the OECD is based on 'economic distance,' typically set at 60% of the median household income.
  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.

Adam Smith argued in 1776 that poverty includes the inability to afford things deemed necessary by societal custom.

Answer: True

Adam Smith posited in 1776 that poverty encompasses not only the lack of basic necessities but also the inability to afford items considered necessary by prevailing societal customs, even for those of lower social standing.

Related Concepts:

  • What was Adam Smith's perspective on poverty in 1776 regarding societal norms?: In 1776, Adam Smith argued that poverty is characterized by the inability to afford not only essential life necessities but also those things that societal custom deems necessary for respectable people, even of the lowest order.

John Kenneth Galbraith defined poverty strictly as having an income below the absolute survival level.

Answer: False

John Kenneth Galbraith defined poverty in 1958 as a state where income falls markedly behind that of one's community, not strictly below the absolute survival level.

Related Concepts:

  • How did John Kenneth Galbraith define poverty in 1958 in relation to community standards?: John Kenneth Galbraith defined poverty in 1958 as a state where an individual's income, even if sufficient for survival, falls markedly behind that of their community.

Victor Fuchs proposed in 1967 that poverty be defined as earning less than half the median family income.

Answer: True

American economist Victor Fuchs proposed in 1967 that poverty be defined as any family earning less than half the median family income, a definition foundational to contemporary relative poverty measures.

Related Concepts:

  • What argument did Victor Fuchs make in 1967 regarding the definition of relative poverty?: American economist Victor Fuchs first proposed in 1967 that poverty be defined as any family earning less than half the median family income, which is how the relative poverty rate is typically computed today.

Peter Townsend's 1979 definition of poverty focused exclusively on monetary income levels.

Answer: False

Peter Townsend's 1979 definition of poverty emphasized the lack of resources to obtain adequate diet, participate in customary activities, and maintain living conditions approved by society, extending beyond mere monetary income.

Related Concepts:

  • What was Peter Townsend's definition of poverty published in 1979?: In 1979, Peter Townsend defined poverty as a condition where individuals lack the resources to obtain the diet, participate in the activities, and maintain the living conditions and amenities that are customary or widely approved in their societies.
  • How did John Kenneth Galbraith define poverty in 1958 in relation to community standards?: John Kenneth Galbraith defined poverty in 1958 as a state where an individual's income, even if sufficient for survival, falls markedly behind that of their community.

The concept of 'moderate poverty' is synonymous with absolute poverty, focusing solely on survival needs.

Answer: False

Moderate poverty describes a standard of living significantly lower than the majority but sufficient for basic needs, distinguishing it from absolute poverty, which focuses strictly on survival needs.

Related Concepts:

  • How does the concept of 'moderate poverty' relate to relative poverty?: The term 'relative poverty' can also refer to 'moderate poverty,' which describes a standard of living or income level that is sufficient to meet basic needs but is still significantly lower than that of the majority in the population.
  • How does a 1995 UN declaration define absolute poverty?: According to a UN declaration from the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen (1995), absolute poverty is defined as a condition of severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information, emphasizing that it depends on both income and access to services.
  • What is the basic needs approach to measuring poverty?: The basic needs approach is a method used primarily in developing countries to measure absolute poverty by defining the minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, typically in terms of consumption goods. The poverty line is then set as the income required to meet these needs.

Using 'poverty' to describe relative poverty is considered misleading by some because it primarily measures income inequality.

Answer: True

Some scholars argue that labeling relative poverty as 'poverty' is misleading, as it primarily quantifies income inequality rather than absolute deprivation. A doubling of all incomes, for instance, would not change the relative poverty rate.

Related Concepts:

  • Why might the term 'poverty' be considered misleading when applied solely to relative poverty?: Some argue that using 'poverty' for relative poverty is misleading because it primarily measures inequality. For instance, if everyone's income doubled, the relative poverty rate would remain unchanged, despite no absolute improvement in living standards for the poor relative to the rich.
  • What assumption underlies the measurement of relative poverty?: The measurement of relative poverty is based on the assumption that whether someone is considered poor depends on their income relative to the income shares of others in the same economy, taking the social and economic environment into account.
  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.

What is the fundamental definition of a poverty threshold?

Answer: The minimum income deemed adequate to cover essential necessities in a specific location.

The poverty threshold, often termed the poverty line, represents the minimum income level deemed adequate to sustain life in a particular geographic context. It is typically established by estimating the aggregate annual cost of essential necessities for an average adult.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the fundamental definition of a poverty threshold, often referred to as the poverty line?: The poverty threshold, often termed the poverty line, represents the minimum income level deemed adequate to sustain life in a particular geographic context. It is typically established by estimating the aggregate annual cost of essential necessities for an average adult.
  • What is the primary relative poverty line used by the EU and OECD?: The main poverty line used by the European Union and the OECD is based on 'economic distance,' typically set at 60% of the median household income.
  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.

Who is credited with popularizing the concept of a poverty line in Britain through investigations in London around the turn of the 20th century?

Answer: Charles Booth

Charles Booth, a social reformer, is credited with popularizing the concept of a poverty line through his extensive investigations in London at the turn of the 20th century.

Related Concepts:

  • Who is credited with popularizing the concept of a poverty line in Britain through investigations in London around the turn of the 20th century?: Charles Booth, a social reformer, is credited with popularizing the concept of a poverty line through his extensive investigations in London at the turn of the 20th century.
  • What contribution did Seebohm Rowntree make to the understanding of poverty lines?: Seebohm Rowntree, a British sociological researcher, defined a poverty line based on the minimum weekly sum required to secure the necessaries for a healthy life, calculating this based on the cheapest prices for minimum caloric and nutritional intake.

Seebohm Rowntree distinguished between two types of poverty. What were they?

Answer: Primary poverty and secondary poverty

Seebohm Rowntree distinguished between 'primary poverty,' resulting from insufficient household income, and 'secondary poverty,' arising from the misallocation of adequate income on non-essential items.

Related Concepts:

  • What distinction did Rowntree make regarding different types of poverty?: Rowntree distinguished between 'primary poverty,' which occurs when a household lacks sufficient income to meet basic needs, and 'secondary poverty,' where a household has adequate income but spends it on non-essential items, thus failing to meet basic needs.
  • What contribution did Seebohm Rowntree make to the understanding of poverty lines?: Seebohm Rowntree, a British sociological researcher, defined a poverty line based on the minimum weekly sum required to secure the necessaries for a healthy life, calculating this based on the cheapest prices for minimum caloric and nutritional intake.

Relative poverty is typically defined as having an income below what percentage of the median income within a country?

Answer: 60%

Relative poverty is commonly defined as having an income below 60% of the national median income, reflecting a position significantly lower than the societal average.

Related Concepts:

  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.
  • How does the concept of 'moderate poverty' relate to relative poverty?: The term 'relative poverty' can also refer to 'moderate poverty,' which describes a standard of living or income level that is sufficient to meet basic needs but is still significantly lower than that of the majority in the population.
  • What assumption underlies the measurement of relative poverty?: The measurement of relative poverty is based on the assumption that whether someone is considered poor depends on their income relative to the income shares of others in the same economy, taking the social and economic environment into account.

Which of the following organizations commonly uses the relative poverty measure?

Answer: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), along with the European Union and UNDP, commonly utilizes the relative poverty measure in its analyses.

Related Concepts:

  • Which international organizations commonly use the relative poverty measure?: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UNICEF, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Canadian poverty researchers commonly use the relative poverty measure.
  • What assumption underlies the measurement of relative poverty?: The measurement of relative poverty is based on the assumption that whether someone is considered poor depends on their income relative to the income shares of others in the same economy, taking the social and economic environment into account.
  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.

Adam Smith's 1776 perspective on poverty included the inability to afford items considered necessary by:

Answer: Societal custom

Adam Smith argued that poverty includes the inability to afford items deemed necessary by prevailing societal customs, extending beyond mere subsistence requirements.

Related Concepts:

  • What was Adam Smith's perspective on poverty in 1776 regarding societal norms?: In 1776, Adam Smith argued that poverty is characterized by the inability to afford not only essential life necessities but also those things that societal custom deems necessary for respectable people, even of the lowest order.

John Kenneth Galbraith defined poverty in 1958 as a state where income falls markedly behind:

Answer: That of one's community

John Kenneth Galbraith defined poverty in 1958 as a condition where an individual's income falls significantly behind the income levels prevalent within their community.

Related Concepts:

  • How did John Kenneth Galbraith define poverty in 1958 in relation to community standards?: John Kenneth Galbraith defined poverty in 1958 as a state where an individual's income, even if sufficient for survival, falls markedly behind that of their community.

Victor Fuchs's 1967 proposal for defining poverty is the basis for which common poverty rate calculation?

Answer: The relative poverty rate

Victor Fuchs's 1967 proposal, defining poverty as earning less than half the median family income, forms the basis for the commonly used relative poverty rate calculation.

Related Concepts:

  • What argument did Victor Fuchs make in 1967 regarding the definition of relative poverty?: American economist Victor Fuchs first proposed in 1967 that poverty be defined as any family earning less than half the median family income, which is how the relative poverty rate is typically computed today.

Peter Townsend's 1979 definition of poverty emphasized the lack of resources to participate in activities and maintain conditions that are:

Answer: Customary or widely approved in their societies

Peter Townsend's definition highlighted the lack of resources to engage in activities and maintain conditions that are customary or widely approved within one's society.

Related Concepts:

  • What was Peter Townsend's definition of poverty published in 1979?: In 1979, Peter Townsend defined poverty as a condition where individuals lack the resources to obtain the diet, participate in the activities, and maintain the living conditions and amenities that are customary or widely approved in their societies.

Absolute Poverty: Global and National Thresholds

Housing costs, such as rent, typically represent the largest component in the calculation of the poverty line.

Answer: True

Housing expenditures, such as rental costs, frequently constitute the most substantial component within the basket of necessities used to calculate the poverty line.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the significance of housing costs in the calculation of the poverty line?: Housing expenditures, such as rental costs, frequently constitute the most substantial component within the basket of necessities used to calculate the poverty line. Consequently, fluctuations in the real estate market and other housing cost indicators are closely monitored by economists as critical determinants of the poverty line's level.
  • What is a significant issue with the US official poverty line regarding its calculation basis?: A significant issue is that the US official poverty line is considered substantially lower than the actual cost of basic needs, partly because its calculation is based on outdated spending patterns from 1955.
  • What is the 'supplemental poverty measure' used by the US Census Bureau?: The supplemental poverty measure is a calculation used by the Census Bureau that factors in housing costs. In 2017, this measure indicated that California had the highest poverty rate in the country when housing costs were included.

The poverty line is generally set at a higher level in developing countries compared to developed countries.

Answer: False

In practice, the official poverty line is generally set at a considerably higher monetary value in developed nations compared to developing ones, reflecting divergent standards of living and economic infrastructures.

Related Concepts:

  • How does the poverty line typically differ between developed and developing nations?: In practice, the official poverty line is generally set at a considerably higher monetary value in developed nations compared to developing ones, reflecting divergent standards of living and economic infrastructures.
  • How do varying national poverty lines affect comparability between countries?: National poverty lines are often not comparable because definitions vary considerably among nations, with richer countries generally employing more generous standards than poorer ones, and even among rich countries, standards differ greatly.
  • What is the primary relative poverty line used by the EU and OECD?: The main poverty line used by the European Union and the OECD is based on 'economic distance,' typically set at 60% of the median household income.

Mollie Orshansky developed the US poverty threshold by assessing the minimum cost of essential clothing and shelter.

Answer: False

Mollie Orshansky developed the US poverty threshold by multiplying the cost of a USDA economy food plan by a factor of three, based on the assumption that food costs represented one-third of a family's budget.

Related Concepts:

  • Who developed the poverty threshold in the United States, and what was their method?: Mollie Orshansky developed the poverty threshold in the United States by taking the cost of a food plan for a family and multiplying it by a factor of three, attributing the threshold as a measure of income inadequacy.

The World Bank's International Poverty Line (IPL) for extreme poverty is currently set at $2.15 per day in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

Answer: True

As of September 2022, the World Bank's International Poverty Line for extreme poverty is established at $2.15 per day in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

Related Concepts:

  • What is the World Bank's current International Poverty Line (IPL) for extreme poverty?: As of September 2022, the World Bank's International Poverty Line, representing a global absolute minimum, is set at $2.15 per day in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This figure is used to measure extreme poverty worldwide.
  • What are the other IPL thresholds set by the World Bank as of 2022 for different income country groups?: In addition to the $2.15 per day threshold for extreme poverty, the World Bank also uses $3.65 per day in PPP for lower-middle income countries and $6.85 per day in PPP for upper-middle income countries.
  • What is the significance of the $1.90 per day IPL figure based on 2011 PPP?: The $1.90 per day figure, based on International Comparison Program (ICP) PPP calculations, represents the international equivalent of what $1.90 could purchase in the US in 2011. Most scholars agree this figure better reflects current realities, especially new price levels in developing countries.

The World Bank uses a single, uniform IPL of $2.15 per day for all countries, regardless of their income level.

Answer: False

The World Bank employs multiple IPL thresholds: $2.15 per day for extreme poverty, $3.65 per day for lower-middle income countries, and $6.85 per day for upper-middle income countries.

Related Concepts:

  • What are the other IPL thresholds set by the World Bank as of 2022 for different income country groups?: In addition to the $2.15 per day threshold for extreme poverty, the World Bank also uses $3.65 per day in PPP for lower-middle income countries and $6.85 per day in PPP for upper-middle income countries.
  • What is the World Bank's current International Poverty Line (IPL) for extreme poverty?: As of September 2022, the World Bank's International Poverty Line, representing a global absolute minimum, is set at $2.15 per day in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This figure is used to measure extreme poverty worldwide.
  • What is the significance of the $1.90 per day IPL figure based on 2011 PPP?: The $1.90 per day figure, based on International Comparison Program (ICP) PPP calculations, represents the international equivalent of what $1.90 could purchase in the US in 2011. Most scholars agree this figure better reflects current realities, especially new price levels in developing countries.

According to UN estimates, the global population living in absolute poverty has remained consistently high since 1800.

Answer: False

UN estimates indicate a significant decline in absolute poverty, from over 80% of the global population in 1800 to approximately 10% by 2015.

Related Concepts:

  • How has the global population living in absolute poverty changed over time according to UN estimates?: According to United Nations estimates, the percentage of the global population living in absolute poverty (using the $1.90/day standard) decreased significantly from over 80% in 1800 to 10% by 2015. However, approximately 734 million people still remained in absolute poverty as of 2015.
  • How does a 1995 UN declaration define absolute poverty?: According to a UN declaration from the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen (1995), absolute poverty is defined as a condition of severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information, emphasizing that it depends on both income and access to services.

The $1.90 per day IPL figure is based on what $1.90 could purchase in the US in 2011, adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

Answer: True

The $1.90 per day IPL figure, based on International Comparison Program (ICP) PPP calculations, represents the international equivalent of what $1.90 could purchase in the US in 2011, reflecting new price levels in developing countries.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the significance of the $1.90 per day IPL figure based on 2011 PPP?: The $1.90 per day figure, based on International Comparison Program (ICP) PPP calculations, represents the international equivalent of what $1.90 could purchase in the US in 2011. Most scholars agree this figure better reflects current realities, especially new price levels in developing countries.
  • What criticism has been raised regarding the World Bank's IPL figures for extreme poverty?: Peter Edward of Newcastle University has argued that the World Bank's IPL figures are artificially low, suggesting that the real number as of 2015 was closer to $7.40 per day.

The US Census Bureau calculates the poverty line uniformly across all states, ignoring cost-of-living variations.

Answer: True

The US Census Bureau calculates the official poverty line uniformly across the entire nation, without adjusting for significant cost-of-living variations between states or regions.

Related Concepts:

  • How does the US Census Bureau's poverty line calculation address cost-of-living variations between states?: The US Census Bureau calculates the poverty line uniformly across the entire US, irrespective of the varying cost-of-living differences between states or urban areas, which can lead to inaccuracies in representing poverty levels in high-cost regions.
  • What is a significant issue with the US official poverty line regarding its calculation basis?: A significant issue is that the US official poverty line is considered substantially lower than the actual cost of basic needs, partly because its calculation is based on outdated spending patterns from 1955.

Government transfers like SNAP significantly decrease the US poverty rate.

Answer: True

Government transfers, including programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), are integral to household income calculations and are shown to substantially reduce the US poverty rate.

Related Concepts:

  • How do government transfers, such as SNAP, impact the overall poverty rate in the US?: Government transfers, including SNAP (food stamps) and housing subsidies, are included in household income calculations. Studies suggest that without these social support programs, the poverty rate in the US would be significantly higher, estimated at 30% to 40% above the official poverty line.

Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and adults with disabilities experience lower poverty rates than White Americans in the US.

Answer: False

Statistics indicate that Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and adults with disabilities experience higher poverty rates in the US compared to White Americans.

Related Concepts:

  • Which minority groups in the US experience higher poverty rates according to statistics?: According to US poverty statistics, Black Americans (21%), foreign-born non-citizens (19%), Hispanic Americans (18%), and adults with disabilities (25%) face higher poverty rates. These groups collectively account for 85% of individuals below the poverty line in the US, while White Americans have a poverty rate of 8.7%.

Children living below the poverty threshold are less likely to experience psychological stress affecting academic performance.

Answer: False

Children living below the poverty threshold are more likely to experience psychological stress that negatively impacts academic performance, alongside other adverse educational outcomes.

Related Concepts:

  • What are the significant educational impacts of living below the poverty threshold on children?: Children living below the poverty threshold are more likely to experience psychological stress affecting academic performance, have poorer health outcomes that hinder education, drop out of school, perform worse academically, have lower graduation rates, and encounter more disciplinary issues. Schools in impoverished communities often receive less funding, further disadvantaging their students.

The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is used to determine eligibility for essential healthcare programs like Medicaid in the US.

Answer: True

The Federal Poverty Level (FPL), derived from the poverty threshold, serves as a key criterion for determining eligibility for essential federal programs, including healthcare services like Medicaid.

Related Concepts:

  • How does the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) influence healthcare access in the US?: The FPL, derived from the poverty threshold, is used as an eligibility criterion for federal programs like Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Eligibility for these essential healthcare services is directly contingent on an individual's or family's income relative to the FPL.
  • How did the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act affect healthcare access disparities in the US?: The expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act helped reduce socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access. It maintained Medicaid benefits for incomes up to 138% of the FPL and reduced the uninsured rate for poor residents in expansion states.

Poverty mobility in the US indicates that individuals rarely escape poverty once they fall below the threshold.

Answer: False

Poverty mobility in the US suggests that individuals frequently experience periods of poverty but also have opportunities to escape it; it is not a static condition for most.

Related Concepts:

  • Is living below the poverty threshold a static condition in the US, or is there poverty mobility?: Living below the poverty threshold is not necessarily a static condition; there is significant poverty mobility. Many individuals experience periods of poverty during their lives, with a substantial portion of government transfer recipients no longer receiving them within a few years.

The US official poverty line calculation is based on modern spending patterns, making it highly accurate for current costs.

Answer: False

The US official poverty line calculation is criticized for being based on outdated spending patterns from 1955, which fails to accurately reflect contemporary living costs and economic realities.

Related Concepts:

  • What is a significant issue with the US official poverty line regarding its calculation basis?: A significant issue is that the US official poverty line is considered substantially lower than the actual cost of basic needs, partly because its calculation is based on outdated spending patterns from 1955.
  • How does the US Census Bureau's poverty line calculation address cost-of-living variations between states?: The US Census Bureau calculates the poverty line uniformly across the entire US, irrespective of the varying cost-of-living differences between states or urban areas, which can lead to inaccuracies in representing poverty levels in high-cost regions.

In Poland, the extreme poverty threshold for a single person in late 2019 was approximately 20.17 zloty per day.

Answer: True

In Poland, the extreme poverty threshold for a single-person household in late 2019 was approximately 20.17 Polish zloty per day.

Related Concepts:

  • What was Poland's extreme poverty threshold for single-person households in late 2019?: In Poland, the extreme poverty threshold for single-person households in the fourth quarter of 2019 was set at 614 Polish złoty per month, which equated to approximately 20.17 złoty per day.

Around 2021, approximately one in six employees in the UK earned less than the 'real living wage'.

Answer: True

In 2021, it was reported that approximately one in six employees in the UK earned less than the 'real living wage', indicating widespread low pay.

Related Concepts:

  • What was the estimated percentage of UK employees paid below the 'real living wage' in 2021?: In 2021, it was reported that almost 5 million jobs, or about one in six nationally, paid below the real living wage in the UK.

India has significantly reduced its poverty levels, lifting approximately 271 million people out of poverty between 2005/06 and 2015/16.

Answer: True

India has demonstrated substantial poverty reduction, lifting an estimated 271 million individuals out of poverty between 2005/06 and 2015/16.

Related Concepts:

  • What scale of poverty reduction has India achieved in a decade?: India lifted approximately 271 million people out of poverty between 2005/06 and 2015/16. During 2018, the World Poverty Clock indicated that close to 44 Indians escaped extreme poverty every minute.

Singapore has an official poverty line that is used to determine eligibility for social assistance programs.

Answer: False

Singapore does not maintain an official poverty line, as policymakers believe it may not fully capture the scope of need and could potentially exclude individuals eligible for assistance.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the situation regarding an official poverty line in Singapore, and why?: Singapore does not have an official poverty line. The Minister for Social and Family Development argued that establishing one might not accurately capture the scope of poverty and could lead to missed opportunities for aid for those just above the line.

In 2020, the US poverty threshold for a single person under 65 was approximately $72 per day.

Answer: False

In 2020, the US poverty threshold for a single person under 65 was an annual income of $12,760, which equates to approximately $35 per day, not $72.

Related Concepts:

  • What were the US poverty thresholds for a single person and a family of four in 2020?: In 2020, the US poverty threshold for a single person under 65 was an annual income of $12,760 (about $35 per day). For a family of four with two children, the threshold was $26,200 annually (about $72 per day).

The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) used by the US Census Bureau includes housing costs in its calculation.

Answer: True

The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) is a more comprehensive calculation employed by the US Census Bureau that incorporates housing costs, among other factors, into its assessment.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the 'supplemental poverty measure' used by the US Census Bureau?: The supplemental poverty measure is a calculation used by the Census Bureau that factors in housing costs. In 2017, this measure indicated that California had the highest poverty rate in the country when housing costs were included.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in the percentage of UK jobs paid below the National Minimum Wage.

Answer: False

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in the percentage of UK jobs paid below the National Minimum Wage in 2020, although it decreased in 2021.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the percentage of UK jobs paid below the National Minimum Wage?: The COVID-19 pandemic was connected to an increase in the percentage of jobs paid below the National Minimum Wage, rising from 1.4% in 2019 to 7.4% in 2020, before decreasing to 3.8% in 2021.

In 2005, India's official poverty line for urban dwellers was set at a higher monthly amount than for rural dwellers.

Answer: True

In 2005, India's official poverty line for urban dwellers was indeed set at a higher monthly monetary value compared to the threshold for rural dwellers.

Related Concepts:

  • What were India's official poverty thresholds for urban and rural dwellers around 2005?: In 2005, India's official poverty line for urban dwellers was set at less than 538.60 rupees per month (approximately US$12), while for rural dwellers, it was less than 356.35 rupees per month (approximately US$7.50).

The expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act helped reduce healthcare access disparities for low-income individuals.

Answer: True

The expansion of Medicaid facilitated by the Affordable Care Act demonstrably reduced disparities in healthcare access for low-income populations, particularly in states that adopted the expansion.

Related Concepts:

  • How did the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act affect healthcare access disparities in the US?: The expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act helped reduce socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access. It maintained Medicaid benefits for incomes up to 138% of the FPL and reduced the uninsured rate for poor residents in expansion states.

Which factor typically constitutes the largest portion of the estimated necessities for calculating the poverty line?

Answer: Housing costs

Housing expenditures, such as rental costs, frequently constitute the most substantial component within the basket of necessities used to calculate the poverty line.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the significance of housing costs in the calculation of the poverty line?: Housing expenditures, such as rental costs, frequently constitute the most substantial component within the basket of necessities used to calculate the poverty line. Consequently, fluctuations in the real estate market and other housing cost indicators are closely monitored by economists as critical determinants of the poverty line's level.
  • What is a significant issue with the US official poverty line regarding its calculation basis?: A significant issue is that the US official poverty line is considered substantially lower than the actual cost of basic needs, partly because its calculation is based on outdated spending patterns from 1955.
  • What is the fundamental definition of a poverty threshold, often referred to as the poverty line?: The poverty threshold, often termed the poverty line, represents the minimum income level deemed adequate to sustain life in a particular geographic context. It is typically established by estimating the aggregate annual cost of essential necessities for an average adult.

How does the poverty line typically differ between developed and developing countries?

Answer: It is considerably higher in developed countries.

In practice, the official poverty line is generally set at a considerably higher monetary value in developed nations compared to developing ones, reflecting divergent standards of living and economic infrastructures.

Related Concepts:

  • How does the poverty line typically differ between developed and developing nations?: In practice, the official poverty line is generally set at a considerably higher monetary value in developed nations compared to developing ones, reflecting divergent standards of living and economic infrastructures.
  • How do varying national poverty lines affect comparability between countries?: National poverty lines are often not comparable because definitions vary considerably among nations, with richer countries generally employing more generous standards than poorer ones, and even among rich countries, standards differ greatly.
  • What is the primary relative poverty line used by the EU and OECD?: The main poverty line used by the European Union and the OECD is based on 'economic distance,' typically set at 60% of the median household income.

What method did Mollie Orshansky use to develop the poverty threshold in the United States?

Answer: Multiplying the cost of a food plan by a factor of three.

Mollie Orshansky developed the US poverty threshold by multiplying the cost of a USDA economy food plan by a factor of three, based on the assumption that food represented one-third of a family's expenditures.

Related Concepts:

  • Who developed the poverty threshold in the United States, and what was their method?: Mollie Orshansky developed the poverty threshold in the United States by taking the cost of a food plan for a family and multiplying it by a factor of three, attributing the threshold as a measure of income inadequacy.

What is the World Bank's International Poverty Line (IPL) for extreme poverty as of September 2022?

Answer: $2.15 per day in PPP

As of September 2022, the World Bank's International Poverty Line for extreme poverty is established at $2.15 per day in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

Related Concepts:

  • What is the World Bank's current International Poverty Line (IPL) for extreme poverty?: As of September 2022, the World Bank's International Poverty Line, representing a global absolute minimum, is set at $2.15 per day in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This figure is used to measure extreme poverty worldwide.
  • What are the other IPL thresholds set by the World Bank as of 2022 for different income country groups?: In addition to the $2.15 per day threshold for extreme poverty, the World Bank also uses $3.65 per day in PPP for lower-middle income countries and $6.85 per day in PPP for upper-middle income countries.

Which of the following is NOT one of the World Bank's IPL thresholds mentioned for 2022?

Answer: $5.50 per day for upper-middle income countries

The World Bank's 2022 IPL thresholds include $2.15 (extreme poverty), $3.65 (lower-middle income), and $6.85 (upper-middle income) per day in PPP. $5.50 is not listed as one of these primary thresholds.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the World Bank's current International Poverty Line (IPL) for extreme poverty?: As of September 2022, the World Bank's International Poverty Line, representing a global absolute minimum, is set at $2.15 per day in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This figure is used to measure extreme poverty worldwide.

According to UN estimates, what was the approximate percentage of the global population living in absolute poverty by 2015?

Answer: 10%

According to UN estimates, the percentage of the global population living in absolute poverty had decreased to approximately 10% by 2015.

Related Concepts:

  • How has the global population living in absolute poverty changed over time according to UN estimates?: According to United Nations estimates, the percentage of the global population living in absolute poverty (using the $1.90/day standard) decreased significantly from over 80% in 1800 to 10% by 2015. However, approximately 734 million people still remained in absolute poverty as of 2015.
  • How does a 1995 UN declaration define absolute poverty?: According to a UN declaration from the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen (1995), absolute poverty is defined as a condition of severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information, emphasizing that it depends on both income and access to services.
  • What is the World Bank's current International Poverty Line (IPL) for extreme poverty?: As of September 2022, the World Bank's International Poverty Line, representing a global absolute minimum, is set at $2.15 per day in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This figure is used to measure extreme poverty worldwide.

In the US, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is primarily used for:

Answer: Determining eligibility for federal programs like Medicaid

The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) serves as a primary benchmark for determining eligibility for numerous federal assistance programs, including essential healthcare services like Medicaid.

Related Concepts:

  • How does the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) influence healthcare access in the US?: The FPL, derived from the poverty threshold, is used as an eligibility criterion for federal programs like Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Eligibility for these essential healthcare services is directly contingent on an individual's or family's income relative to the FPL.

Which demographic groups in the US face higher poverty rates according to the provided statistics?

Answer: Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and adults with disabilities

Statistics indicate that Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and adults with disabilities experience disproportionately higher poverty rates in the United States compared to other demographic groups.

Related Concepts:

  • Which minority groups in the US experience higher poverty rates according to statistics?: According to US poverty statistics, Black Americans (21%), foreign-born non-citizens (19%), Hispanic Americans (18%), and adults with disabilities (25%) face higher poverty rates. These groups collectively account for 85% of individuals below the poverty line in the US, while White Americans have a poverty rate of 8.7%.

What impact does living below the poverty threshold have on children's educational outcomes?

Answer: Poorer health outcomes, lower graduation rates, and worse academic performance.

Children living below the poverty threshold are more susceptible to adverse educational outcomes, including poorer health, lower academic achievement, and reduced graduation rates, often exacerbated by psychological stress.

Related Concepts:

  • What are the significant educational impacts of living below the poverty threshold on children?: Children living below the poverty threshold are more likely to experience psychological stress affecting academic performance, have poorer health outcomes that hinder education, drop out of school, perform worse academically, have lower graduation rates, and encounter more disciplinary issues. Schools in impoverished communities often receive less funding, further disadvantaging their students.

The US official poverty line calculation is considered problematic partly because it is based on:

Answer: Outdated spending patterns from 1955

A significant criticism of the US official poverty line is its reliance on outdated spending patterns established in 1955, which fails to accurately reflect contemporary living costs and economic realities.

Related Concepts:

  • What is a significant issue with the US official poverty line regarding its calculation basis?: A significant issue is that the US official poverty line is considered substantially lower than the actual cost of basic needs, partly because its calculation is based on outdated spending patterns from 1955.
  • How does the US Census Bureau's poverty line calculation address cost-of-living variations between states?: The US Census Bureau calculates the poverty line uniformly across the entire US, irrespective of the varying cost-of-living differences between states or urban areas, which can lead to inaccuracies in representing poverty levels in high-cost regions.

How do government transfers, such as SNAP, impact the overall poverty rate in the US?

Answer: They help reduce the poverty rate substantially.

Government transfer programs, such as SNAP, play a crucial role in mitigating poverty by substantially reducing the overall poverty rate in the US.

Related Concepts:

  • How do government transfers, such as SNAP, impact the overall poverty rate in the US?: Government transfers, including SNAP (food stamps) and housing subsidies, are included in household income calculations. Studies suggest that without these social support programs, the poverty rate in the US would be significantly higher, estimated at 30% to 40% above the official poverty line.

Relative Poverty, Basic Needs, and Social Dimensions

The basic needs approach defines poverty solely based on a country's median income.

Answer: False

The basic needs approach defines poverty based on the minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, rather than solely on income relative to the median.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the basic needs approach to measuring poverty?: The basic needs approach is a method used primarily in developing countries to measure absolute poverty by defining the minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, typically in terms of consumption goods. The poverty line is then set as the income required to meet these needs.
  • According to David Gordon's definition, what constitutes absolute poverty?: David Gordon's paper defines absolute poverty as the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs, which include food (measured by Body Mass Index), safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health treatment, adequate shelter, education, access to information, and access to services.

The basic needs approach was endorsed as a primary objective of development policy in 1976.

Answer: True

The International Labour Organization's World Employment Conference endorsed the satisfaction of basic human needs as a primary objective of development policy in 1976.

Related Concepts:

  • When was the basic needs approach introduced, and by whom?: The basic needs approach was introduced in 1976 by the International Labour Organization's World Employment Conference, which endorsed the satisfaction of basic human needs as a primary objective of development policy.
  • What criticisms were leveled against the basic needs approach in 1978?: In 1978, critics argued that the basic needs approach lacked scientific rigor, was overly consumption-oriented, anti-growth, and potentially misleading by suggesting poverty elimination was too easy.

Traditional immediate basic needs for poverty discussions include only food and shelter.

Answer: False

Traditional immediate basic needs typically include food, shelter, and clothing, with modern lists often expanding to include sanitation, education, and healthcare.

Related Concepts:

  • What are the traditional immediate basic needs identified in poverty discussions?: Traditionally, the immediate basic needs are identified as food (including water), shelter, and clothing. Many modern lists also include sanitation, education, and healthcare.
  • What is the basic needs approach to measuring poverty?: The basic needs approach is a method used primarily in developing countries to measure absolute poverty by defining the minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, typically in terms of consumption goods. The poverty line is then set as the income required to meet these needs.
  • According to David Gordon's definition, what constitutes absolute poverty?: David Gordon's paper defines absolute poverty as the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs, which include food (measured by Body Mass Index), safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health treatment, adequate shelter, education, access to information, and access to services.

A 1995 UN declaration defines absolute poverty as severe deprivation of basic human needs, considering both income and access to services.

Answer: True

The 1995 UN declaration from the World Summit on Social Development defines absolute poverty as severe deprivation of basic human needs, encompassing both income and access to essential services.

Related Concepts:

  • How does a 1995 UN declaration define absolute poverty?: According to a UN declaration from the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen (1995), absolute poverty is defined as a condition of severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information, emphasizing that it depends on both income and access to services.
  • According to David Gordon's definition, what constitutes absolute poverty?: David Gordon's paper defines absolute poverty as the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs, which include food (measured by Body Mass Index), safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health treatment, adequate shelter, education, access to information, and access to services.

Critics in 1978 argued that the basic needs approach was overly focused on economic growth.

Answer: False

In 1978, critics argued that the basic needs approach was overly consumption-oriented and anti-growth, rather than being too focused on economic growth.

Related Concepts:

  • What criticisms were leveled against the basic needs approach in 1978?: In 1978, critics argued that the basic needs approach lacked scientific rigor, was overly consumption-oriented, anti-growth, and potentially misleading by suggesting poverty elimination was too easy.
  • When was the basic needs approach introduced, and by whom?: The basic needs approach was introduced in 1976 by the International Labour Organization's World Employment Conference, which endorsed the satisfaction of basic human needs as a primary objective of development policy.

Relative poverty is not considered a factor that can lead to social exclusion.

Answer: False

Relative poverty can indeed be a significant factor contributing to social exclusion, limiting individuals' access to opportunities and participation in societal activities.

Related Concepts:

  • How does relative poverty relate to social exclusion?: Relative poverty can lead to social exclusion, impacting individuals' access to opportunities such as decent housing, education, or employment, even if their basic needs are met.
  • How is relative poverty defined in terms of income comparison?: Relative poverty is defined as having a low income in comparison to others within the same country, often set at a threshold like below 60% of the median income.

A 'living income' aims for individuals to merely survive, similar to the concept of a poverty line.

Answer: False

A 'living income' aims to provide a 'decent standard of living' and enable individuals to thrive, encompassing more than mere survival, which distinguishes it from the basic subsistence focus of many poverty lines.

Related Concepts:

  • How does a living income differ from a poverty line?: The key distinction between a living income and a poverty line is the concept of 'decency,' where a living income aims for people to thrive rather than merely survive, covering a broader range of needs and aspirations beyond basic survival.
  • What is a 'living income' as defined by the Living Income Community of Practice?: A living income is defined as the net annual income required for a household to afford a decent standard of living in their specific location, encompassing food, water, housing, education, healthcare, transport, clothing, and provisions for unexpected events.
  • What is the fundamental definition of a poverty threshold, often referred to as the poverty line?: The poverty threshold, often termed the poverty line, represents the minimum income level deemed adequate to sustain life in a particular geographic context. It is typically established by estimating the aggregate annual cost of essential necessities for an average adult.

A living income, as defined by the Living Income Community of Practice, includes provisions for unexpected events.

Answer: True

The definition of a living income by the Living Income Community of Practice explicitly includes provisions for unexpected events, alongside other necessities for a decent standard of living.

Related Concepts:

  • What is a 'living income' as defined by the Living Income Community of Practice?: A living income is defined as the net annual income required for a household to afford a decent standard of living in their specific location, encompassing food, water, housing, education, healthcare, transport, clothing, and provisions for unexpected events.

The basic needs approach, introduced in 1976, defines poverty based on:

Answer: The minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being.

The basic needs approach defines poverty by the minimum resources required for long-term physical well-being, focusing on essential consumption goods and services.

Related Concepts:

  • What is the basic needs approach to measuring poverty?: The basic needs approach is a method used primarily in developing countries to measure absolute poverty by defining the minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, typically in terms of consumption goods. The poverty line is then set as the income required to meet these needs.
  • When was the basic needs approach introduced, and by whom?: The basic needs approach was introduced in 1976 by the International Labour Organization's World Employment Conference, which endorsed the satisfaction of basic human needs as a primary objective of development policy.
  • What criticisms were leveled against the basic needs approach in 1978?: In 1978, critics argued that the basic needs approach lacked scientific rigor, was overly consumption-oriented, anti-growth, and potentially misleading by suggesting poverty elimination was too easy.

Which of the following is traditionally considered an immediate basic need in poverty discussions?

Answer: Clothing

Traditional immediate basic needs typically include food, shelter, and clothing. While education and healthcare are crucial, clothing is more consistently cited as an immediate basic need in historical poverty discussions.

Related Concepts:

  • What are the traditional immediate basic needs identified in poverty discussions?: Traditionally, the immediate basic needs are identified as food (including water), shelter, and clothing. Many modern lists also include sanitation, education, and healthcare.
  • What is the basic needs approach to measuring poverty?: The basic needs approach is a method used primarily in developing countries to measure absolute poverty by defining the minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, typically in terms of consumption goods. The poverty line is then set as the income required to meet these needs.
  • According to David Gordon's definition, what constitutes absolute poverty?: David Gordon's paper defines absolute poverty as the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs, which include food (measured by Body Mass Index), safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health treatment, adequate shelter, education, access to information, and access to services.

According to a 1995 UN declaration, absolute poverty is defined as severe deprivation of basic human needs, depending on both income and:

Answer: Access to services

The 1995 UN declaration defines absolute poverty as severe deprivation of basic human needs, emphasizing its dependence on both income and access to essential services.

Related Concepts:

  • How does a 1995 UN declaration define absolute poverty?: According to a UN declaration from the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen (1995), absolute poverty is defined as a condition of severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information, emphasizing that it depends on both income and access to services.
  • According to David Gordon's definition, what constitutes absolute poverty?: David Gordon's paper defines absolute poverty as the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs, which include food (measured by Body Mass Index), safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health treatment, adequate shelter, education, access to information, and access to services.

Critics in 1978 raised concerns that the basic needs approach was:

Answer: Overly consumption-oriented and anti-growth

In 1978, critics argued that the basic needs approach was overly consumption-oriented and anti-growth, rather than being too focused on economic growth.

Related Concepts:

  • What criticisms were leveled against the basic needs approach in 1978?: In 1978, critics argued that the basic needs approach lacked scientific rigor, was overly consumption-oriented, anti-growth, and potentially misleading by suggesting poverty elimination was too easy.
  • When was the basic needs approach introduced, and by whom?: The basic needs approach was introduced in 1976 by the International Labour Organization's World Employment Conference, which endorsed the satisfaction of basic human needs as a primary objective of development policy.

What distinguishes a 'living income' from a traditional poverty line?

Answer: A living income aims for 'decency' and thriving, not just survival.

A living income aims to provide a 'decent standard of living' and enable individuals to thrive, encompassing more than mere survival, which distinguishes it from the basic subsistence focus of many poverty lines.

Related Concepts:

  • How does a living income differ from a poverty line?: The key distinction between a living income and a poverty line is the concept of 'decency,' where a living income aims for people to thrive rather than merely survive, covering a broader range of needs and aspirations beyond basic survival.
  • What is a 'living income' as defined by the Living Income Community of Practice?: A living income is defined as the net annual income required for a household to afford a decent standard of living in their specific location, encompassing food, water, housing, education, healthcare, transport, clothing, and provisions for unexpected events.

What is a key difference between a living income and a poverty line?

Answer: Living incomes aim for a 'decent' standard of living beyond mere survival.

A living income aims to provide a 'decent standard of living' and enable individuals to thrive, encompassing more than mere survival, which distinguishes it from the basic subsistence focus of many poverty lines.

Related Concepts:

  • How does a living income differ from a poverty line?: The key distinction between a living income and a poverty line is the concept of 'decency,' where a living income aims for people to thrive rather than merely survive, covering a broader range of needs and aspirations beyond basic survival.
  • What is a 'living income' as defined by the Living Income Community of Practice?: A living income is defined as the net annual income required for a household to afford a decent standard of living in their specific location, encompassing food, water, housing, education, healthcare, transport, clothing, and provisions for unexpected events.
  • What is the fundamental definition of a poverty threshold, often referred to as the poverty line?: The poverty threshold, often termed the poverty line, represents the minimum income level deemed adequate to sustain life in a particular geographic context. It is typically established by estimating the aggregate annual cost of essential necessities for an average adult.

Measurement Challenges, Criticisms, and Policy Implications

Peter Edward argues that the World Bank's IPL figures for extreme poverty are too high.

Answer: False

Peter Edward of Newcastle University has argued that the World Bank's International Poverty Line figures for extreme poverty are artificially low, suggesting a higher actual number.

Related Concepts:

  • What criticism has been raised regarding the World Bank's IPL figures for extreme poverty?: Peter Edward of Newcastle University has argued that the World Bank's IPL figures are artificially low, suggesting that the real number as of 2015 was closer to $7.40 per day.

Robert C. Allen proposed using standardized baskets of goods, like the cheapest local grain, to improve global poverty comparisons.

Answer: True

Robert C. Allen proposed utilizing standardized baskets of goods, such as the cheapest local grain, as a method to enhance the accuracy and comparability of global poverty measurements across diverse economies.

Related Concepts:

  • What challenge exists in using a single monetary poverty threshold globally, and how has Robert C. Allen attempted to address it?: Using a single monetary poverty threshold globally is problematic due to difficulties in comparing prices between countries. Robert C. Allen proposed a solution by using standardized baskets of goods typical for the poor, such as the cheapest local grain, to better reflect purchasing power across different economies and time periods.

David Gordon's definition of absolute poverty requires the absence of at least five specific basic needs.

Answer: False

David Gordon's definition of absolute poverty posits that it is characterized by the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs.

Related Concepts:

  • According to David Gordon's definition, what constitutes absolute poverty?: David Gordon's paper defines absolute poverty as the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs, which include food (measured by Body Mass Index), safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health treatment, adequate shelter, education, access to information, and access to services.
  • How does a 1995 UN declaration define absolute poverty?: According to a UN declaration from the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen (1995), absolute poverty is defined as a condition of severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information, emphasizing that it depends on both income and access to services.

Accurate poverty measurement is not crucial for effective policymaking and development strategies.

Answer: False

Accurate poverty measurement is critically important for effective policymaking, resource allocation, program evaluation, and guiding development strategies.

Related Concepts:

  • Why is an accurate poverty measure important for policymakers and development strategies?: An accurate poverty measure is crucial for policymakers to effectively allocate assistance, determine program efficacy, and guide development strategies. It also helps keep the issue of poverty on the political and moral agenda.
  • Why might even accurate poverty data not fully represent living standards or economic position?: Even if data is accurate, it may not fully represent a family's or household's living standards, well-being, or economic position, as poverty measures are inherently imperfect and require subjective social judgments.

Poverty data collected through interviews is always highly accurate because people report their income truthfully.

Answer: False

Poverty data collected via interviews is subject to inaccuracies, as reported income may not always be truthful or comprehensive, posing a significant challenge to precise measurement.

Related Concepts:

  • What is a primary challenge in accurately measuring poverty due to data collection methods?: A primary challenge is that much poverty data is collected through interviews, relying on reported income, which may not accurately reflect the true situation or account for illegally earned income.
  • Why might even accurate poverty data not fully represent living standards or economic position?: Even if data is accurate, it may not fully represent a family's or household's living standards, well-being, or economic position, as poverty measures are inherently imperfect and require subjective social judgments.

National poverty lines are generally comparable across countries due to standardized international definitions.

Answer: False

National poverty lines are generally not comparable across countries because definitions and methodologies vary significantly, lacking standardized international definitions.

Related Concepts:

  • How do varying national poverty lines affect comparability between countries?: National poverty lines are often not comparable because definitions vary considerably among nations, with richer countries generally employing more generous standards than poorer ones, and even among rich countries, standards differ greatly.
  • How does the poverty line typically differ between developed and developing nations?: In practice, the official poverty line is generally set at a considerably higher monetary value in developed nations compared to developing ones, reflecting divergent standards of living and economic infrastructures.

Peter Edward of Newcastle University has criticized the World Bank's IPL figures for being:

Answer: Artificially low

Peter Edward has argued that the World Bank's International Poverty Line figures for extreme poverty are artificially low, suggesting that the actual number of individuals living in such conditions is higher than reported.

Related Concepts:

  • What criticism has been raised regarding the World Bank's IPL figures for extreme poverty?: Peter Edward of Newcastle University has argued that the World Bank's IPL figures are artificially low, suggesting that the real number as of 2015 was closer to $7.40 per day.

Robert C. Allen proposed using standardized baskets of goods to address which challenge in global poverty measurement?

Answer: The difficulty in comparing prices between countries

Robert C. Allen proposed using standardized baskets of goods to overcome the challenge of comparing prices and purchasing power across different countries for more accurate global poverty comparisons.

Related Concepts:

  • What challenge exists in using a single monetary poverty threshold globally, and how has Robert C. Allen attempted to address it?: Using a single monetary poverty threshold globally is problematic due to difficulties in comparing prices between countries. Robert C. Allen proposed a solution by using standardized baskets of goods typical for the poor, such as the cheapest local grain, to better reflect purchasing power across different economies and time periods.

According to David Gordon's definition, what constitutes absolute poverty?

Answer: Two

David Gordon's definition of absolute poverty posits that it is characterized by the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs.

Related Concepts:

  • According to David Gordon's definition, what constitutes absolute poverty?: David Gordon's paper defines absolute poverty as the absence of any two of eight specific basic needs, which include food (measured by Body Mass Index), safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health treatment, adequate shelter, education, access to information, and access to services.
  • How does a 1995 UN declaration define absolute poverty?: According to a UN declaration from the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen (1995), absolute poverty is defined as a condition of severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information, emphasizing that it depends on both income and access to services.
  • What is the basic needs approach to measuring poverty?: The basic needs approach is a method used primarily in developing countries to measure absolute poverty by defining the minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, typically in terms of consumption goods. The poverty line is then set as the income required to meet these needs.

Why is an accurate poverty measure crucial for policymakers?

Answer: To effectively allocate assistance and determine program efficacy

Accurate poverty measurement is critically important for policymakers to effectively allocate resources, evaluate the efficacy of social programs, and guide development strategies.

Related Concepts:

  • Why is an accurate poverty measure important for policymakers and development strategies?: An accurate poverty measure is crucial for policymakers to effectively allocate assistance, determine program efficacy, and guide development strategies. It also helps keep the issue of poverty on the political and moral agenda.
  • Why might even accurate poverty data not fully represent living standards or economic position?: Even if data is accurate, it may not fully represent a family's or household's living standards, well-being, or economic position, as poverty measures are inherently imperfect and require subjective social judgments.

What is a primary challenge in poverty data collection mentioned in the source?

Answer: Reliance on interviews and reported income, which may be inaccurate

A primary challenge in poverty data collection is the reliance on interviews and self-reported income, which may not always be accurate or comprehensive.

Related Concepts:

  • What is a primary challenge in accurately measuring poverty due to data collection methods?: A primary challenge is that much poverty data is collected through interviews, relying on reported income, which may not accurately reflect the true situation or account for illegally earned income.
  • Why might even accurate poverty data not fully represent living standards or economic position?: Even if data is accurate, it may not fully represent a family's or household's living standards, well-being, or economic position, as poverty measures are inherently imperfect and require subjective social judgments.

How do varying national poverty lines affect international comparisons?

Answer: They make comparisons difficult because definitions vary significantly.

Varying national poverty lines, due to differing definitions and methodologies, significantly complicate international comparisons of poverty levels.

Related Concepts:

  • How do varying national poverty lines affect comparability between countries?: National poverty lines are often not comparable because definitions vary considerably among nations, with richer countries generally employing more generous standards than poorer ones, and even among rich countries, standards differ greatly.
  • How does the poverty line typically differ between developed and developing nations?: In practice, the official poverty line is generally set at a considerably higher monetary value in developed nations compared to developing ones, reflecting divergent standards of living and economic infrastructures.
  • What is the primary relative poverty line used by the EU and OECD?: The main poverty line used by the European Union and the OECD is based on 'economic distance,' typically set at 60% of the median household income.

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