Poverty, Power & Injustice

Multidimensional Definition of Poverty

A condition extending beyond income shortages to include restricted access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, and social justice.

Townsend's Relative Poverty Theory

The framework proposing that individuals experience poverty when they lack the resources to participate in customary social activities and achieve the living standard typical of their society.

Poverty Line

The specific income threshold below which a person or household is classified as impoverished, commonly set at 50% or 60% of median national income.

The Working Poor

Individuals who maintain active paid employment but remain in poverty due to low wages, underemployment, insecure contracts, and high living expenses.

Energy Poverty

A specific deprivation characterized by an inability to afford essential household utility services, such as electricity and heating.

Moral Approach to Poverty

A perspective rooted in individualism and Social Darwinism that attributes economic hardship to personal choices, character failings, and attitudes.

Welfare Dependency Theory

A behavioral argument asserting that government financial assistance discourages employment, fosters reliance, and necessitates personal conduct reform.

Structural Approach to Poverty

A sociological perspective asserting that economic disadvantage stems from broader social institutions, discriminatory barriers, and economic market failures rather than personal flaws.

Life Chances

The practical opportunities an individual has to attain positive social and economic outcomes, largely shaped by socioeconomic background at birth.

Structural Inequality

A systemic condition in which institutional arrangements and social structures systematically privilege certain groups while disadvantaging others.

Bourdieu's Cultural Capital

Forms of acquired knowledge, linguistic style, educational credentials, and social competencies that convey status and advantage.

Bourdieu's Social Capital

The durable networks, interpersonal relationships, and mutual connections that grant access to institutional resources and opportunities.

Bourdieu's Symbolic Capital

The social prestige, reputation, and perceived legitimacy an individual possesses within a given social order.