Evaluation of an absolute definition of poverty
Strengths of an absolute definition of poverty
- conceptually it is straightforward for people to understand when thinking about donating to famine appeals
- it is easy to use when making comparisons across a nations regions
- it is easy to use when comparing poverty with different countries
- absolute poverty is easier to measure, and therefore easier to research
Weaknesses of an absolute definition of poverty
- often criticised as being simplistic for it assumes there is a universal concept of what constitutes poverty
- it is difficult to objectively decide what basic subsistence needs are
- it assumes the poor can shop around and get the cheapest goods
- it assumes the cheapest goods are available to purchase in the first place
- it ignores social exclusion – people are social creatures who ‘need’ to socially integrate by buying ‘inappropriate’ things such as gifts
- minimum diets do not recognise different the calorific needs of people. For example a builder might need more calories than an office worker
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