Relative Poverty - GCSE Sociology Definition

Relative poverty is a way of measuring poverty by comparing a person's living standards to the average in their society. In simpler terms, it means that someone is considered relatively poor if they have less money and fewer resources than most people in their community, making it hard for them to participate in normal activities. This type of poverty is not just about lacking basic needs like food or shelter, but also about not having enough to enjoy the same lifestyle that others around them have. It's important in sociology because it helps us understand how inequalities can affect people's daily lives and opportunities.