theories of poverty

Our definition: Social safety nets are systems compromised of personal, community, familial and governmental relationships that a person can rely on during times of need.

Social safety nets should be available to any person who is a member of the relationship they are seeking assistance from. A person becomes a member of the relationship by existing in the larger group.

generational poverty

Our definition: The current definition and modern usage of generational poverty is what we also use. Generational poverty is a term applied to families who have experienced poverty for at least two generations and exist in survival mode.

relative poverty

Our definition: The current definition and modern usage of relative poverty is what we also use. Relative poverty refers to an individuals or groups lack of resources when compared with that of other members of the society—in other words, their relative standard of living.

situational poverty

Our definition: The current definition and modern usage of situational poverty is what we also use. Situational poverty is when a person or family becomes poor because of an adversity like job loss, natural disaster, death in the family or a serious illness happens to them personally resulting in a loss of income that moves them to or under the poverty line. Generally once this personal event is resolved, the person or family is able to regain their formerly middle or higher income.

absolute poverty

Our definition: The current definition and modern usage of absolute poverty is what we also use. Absolute poverty is when a person, family does not have the means (income) to support themselves and cover the costs of basic living expenses, which consists of housing, clothing, food and shelter. The causes of absolute poverty are systemic, and often are made worse due to extreme weather and climate conditions, war and famine. Absolute poverty also is known by the name extreme poverty.

rural poverty

Our definition: The current definition and modern usage of rural poverty is what we also use. Rural poverty is poverty that exists outside of urban areas or city centers. Rural poverty is measured partially be the daily existence of communities below the standard poverty line for the area and also includes the lack of access to resources for those in poverty that are typically available to those in poverty in urban/city areas. Rural poverty often results in communities not having access to most recent technological advances, limited opportunities for advancement in employment and education.

urban poverty

Our definition: The current definition and modern usage of urban poverty is what we also use. Urban poverty is when a person, family or community does not have the means (income) to support themselves and cover the costs of basic living expenses. Urban poverty is found in urban areas and large cities where income and wealth inequality are typically great. Urban poverty is often exacerbated by specific city designs that create the conditions that in which poverty grows and thrives.

mass poverty

Our definition: Mass poverty is a measurement of poverty, when a majority of people in a given location are living below the defined poverty line for the area. Mass poverty is greatest in areas where income and wealth inequality are great and there are generally few educational and employment opportunities available for people to access as a means of creating avenues out of poverty. Mass poverty is more prevalent in developing or post-colonial countries.