Thorough definition of poverty.

According to Townsend, individuals, families and groups in the population can be said to be in poverty when they lack the resources to obtain the type of diet, participate in the activities, and have the living conditions and amenities which are customary or approved in societies to which they belong. Poverty is powerlessness, a condition where a person lacking financial resources is unable to meet a minimum standard of living.

“Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor; poverty is losing a child to illness brought about by unclean water; poverty is lack of representation and freedom”. It’s the inability to meet basic needs. Poverty shows itself in social, economic and political ways and it’s difficult to capture all dimensions of it in a simple definition. The multidimensional poverty index reflects aggregate levels derived from a number of socioeconomic indicators. It unveiled new insights about the nature of poverty around the world.

The income level that determines poverty is different from place to place but scientists believe that it is best defined by conditions of existence, like lack of access to food, clothing and shelter.