Poverty



From the Encyclopedia Galactica:
 * 1) the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of credits or material possessions
 * 2) renunciation as a member of a religious order of the right as an individual to own property

It is a multifaceted concept, which includes social, economic and political elements. Poverty seems to be chronic or temporary, and most of the time it is closely related to inequality. As a dynamic concept, poverty is changing and adapting according to consumption patterns, social dynamics and technological change.

Absolute poverty or destitution refers to the deprivation of basic needs, which commonly includes food, water, sanitation, clothing, shelter, health care and education. Relative poverty is defined contextually as economic inequality in the location or society in which people live.