Understanding Poverty

This set of flashcards focuses on key concepts related to poverty, its measurement, and implications, as derived from the lecture notes.

Poverty

A lack of resources such as money or material possessions needed for survival.

Absolute Poverty

The inability to sustain oneself, also known as extreme poverty, measured as living on less than $1.90 a day.

Relative Poverty

A measure of poverty defined by comparing individuals to a statistical average income threshold.

Official Poverty

Referred to as Federal poverty, determined by thresholds computed by the US Census Bureau.

Subjective Measure

A poverty measure that considers individual circumstances and local conditions.

Hardship Indicators

Comprehensive measures of poverty based on life circumstances, beyond just financial metrics.

Social Exclusion

A situation where individuals are excluded from full participation in society, often linked to poverty.

Feminization of Poverty

The increasing proportion of the poor who are women, often due to gender inequality.

Spatial Mismatch Theory

Explains how individuals in urban poverty are distanced from job opportunities that are now located in the suburbs.

Culture of Poverty

A theory proposing that poverty is perpetuated by values, behaviors, and a lifestyle that do not embrace middle-class norms.

Cycles of Poverty

The concept that poverty is influenced by various external factors leading to repeated instances of poverty across generations.

Undeserving Poor

An ideology that blames the poor for their situation, suggesting they lack the effort or capability to improve their circumstances.

Social Capital

The networks of relationships and resources that provide support and connections for individuals, often limited in poorer communities.

Head Start Program

A U.S. program aimed at enhancing the cognitive and social development of children from low-income families.