What Are the Different Types of Poverty?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 10, 2020

The two main types of poverty are absolute poverty and relative poverty. Absolute poverty is defined as lacking the basic means to survive. Relative poverty occurs when a family’s income and way of living fall below the general standard of living defined by its society.

Absolute poverty refers to not meeting basic survival needs such as food, clothing and shelter. People living in absolute poverty often do not have access to clean water and a safe living environment. Living in absolute poverty also means a lack of clothing and medicine.

Relative poverty conditions lead to disadvantages through unemployment, low income, poor health care coverage and lack of education.