SOCY 211

LEARNING ACTIVITY 4

POVERTY:

STUDY UNIT: 2

LECTURER: MS. K. PHAJANE

J.E. COETZEE

33760845

TEL: 0795043183

26 MARCH 2021

1. Introduction

Poverty can often be difficult to define. However, as will be shown, poverty in itself may manifest in two different ways, which in own turn gives poverty two different faces whose definitions vary considerably. Yet notwithstanding this, both these differing definitions could possibly be integrated to form a more complete, more holistic definition of poverty as phenomenon.

2. Defining poverty

Poverty as such should be considered in a measure of degree, rather than in exclusive existential categories.

Two terms are often used in context of discussing poverty – absolute poverty, and relative poverty. Absolute poverty can be defined as a state of being in which an individual lacks the capacity to obtain adequately that which is essential to survival (Ferrante, 2014:182; Ferrante, 2016:83; Rohwerder, 2016:3). Relative poverty, on the other hand, is defined as poverty measured by what an individual has or lacks in relation to others in a particular society (Ferrante, 2014:182; Ferrante, 2016:83: Rohwerder, 2016:3).

It is easy to step into the pitfall of attempting to wholly define poverty exclusively in terms of either one of these two categories. However, this needn’t necessarily be the case. Indeed, one could adopt an eclectic or integrative view of sorts that uses both these proposed types of poverty as two parts of a single, somewhat flexible, duel-faceted definition.

3. Poverty defined

Poverty as such, should be considered in two mutually exclusive terms, which are poverty (absolute), and relative poverty. That is to say that poverty ought to first and foremost be thought of in absolute terms, and only thereafter - and in a lessening degree – relative terms or in relative, social comparison. As such, a new, integrated definition of poverty is thus offered:

Poverty can primarily be defined as the inability to adequately acquire the resources required for immediate, day-to-day survival; and secondarily, in a lesser degree, the adequate satisfaction of basic needs, but simultaneously an inability to procure that which considered standard in any specific society but has no impediment on survival in the case of deprivation.

By this definition it is made clear that poverty is exclusively viewed in terms of financial welfare and those resources necessary for survival. Thus, poverty begins with the inability to adequately satisfy the most basic of human needs, and subsequently lessens in degree to ultimately become a measure in relativity to others within a specific social setting.

4. Conclusion

Although it may have been briefly illustrated in a somewhat rudimentary way, poverty may very well be encapsulated in a single definition – given that this definition makes provision for any different forms in which poverty could present. Furthermore, it may be most effective to think of poverty in terms of degree and as a phenomenon characterised by varying definitions based on these measures of degree, rather than an absolute and universal existential category.

 

5. Reference list

Ferrante, J. 2014. Sociology: a global perspective. Hampshire, UK: Cengage Learning.

Ferrante, J. 2016. Sociology: a South African perspective. Hampshire, UK: Cengage Learning.

Rohwerder, B. (2016). Poverty and Inequality: Topic guide. Birmingham, UK: GSDRC, University of Birmingham.