What is poverty?
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When we hear the word ‘poverty,’ images of hunger, homelessness, and desperation often come to mind. But what does it really mean to live in poverty in the UK today? Understanding poverty is important because it affects millions of people, including teenagers. So, let’s dive into what poverty is, how it’s measured, and what life is like for those struggling to make ends meet.
Defining poverty
Poverty is about not having enough money to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. However, it’s not just about survival; poverty also involves a lack of resources to participate fully in society. It means not being able to heat your home, afford a balanced diet, or have the same opportunities as your peers. Essentially, poverty can stop you from reaching your full potential.
In the UK, poverty can be defined in several ways. The most common are absolute poverty and relative poverty. Absolute poverty is when a person’s resources are below a fixed level – it is an unchanging line,...
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