
Relative poverty
Relative poverty refers to a situation where an individual's or household's income is significantly less than the average income in their society, making it difficult for them to maintain a standard of living considered acceptable by societal norms. Unlike absolute poverty, which focuses on basic needs like food and shelter, relative poverty emphasizes inequality and social exclusion. Those experiencing relative poverty may struggle to afford essentials, participate in everyday activities, or have access to opportunities that others take for granted, often leading to feelings of marginalization or low quality of life despite having their basic needs met.