Poverty and Its Impacts

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to poverty, its definition, implications, rates, and potential solutions.

Relative Poverty

Lacking income necessary to provide an average standard of living in your society.

Absolute Poverty

Anchored in a basic income required to meet fundamental needs, often based on the cost of a minimally adequate diet.

Poverty Line (2024)

For a family of four, the poverty line is $31,200; for a single person, it is $15,060.

Child Poverty Rate Before Taxes (USA)

26.77% before taxes.

Child Poverty Rate After Taxes (USA)

The child poverty rate drops to 23.4% after taxes.

Extremely Poor Definition

Defined as living on $2 a day.

Percentage of Americans Below Poverty Line (2023)

11.1% of Americans currently qualify as living below the poverty line.

Percentage of American Indian/Alaskan Natives Below Poverty Line (2023)

24.2% of this group is officially below the poverty line.

Percentage of Blacks Below Poverty Line (2023)

20.6% of Black individuals are officially below the poverty line.

Percentage of Hispanics Below Poverty Line (2023)

16.6% of Hispanics are officially below the poverty line.

Percentage of Whites Below Poverty Line (2023)

9.5% of White individuals are officially below the poverty line.

Blaming the Victim

A way to explain poverty where individuals are blamed for not working hard enough.

Balancing the Society

A perspective that suggests societal rules are unfair to the disadvantaged poor.

Poverty Solutions by Government

Raising the minimum wage, creating accessible jobs, and improving access to benefits.