Poverty is a condition where people's basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter are not being met. Poverty is generally of two types:
(1) Absolute poverty is synonymous with destitution and occurs when people cannot obtain adequate resources (measured in terms of calories or nutrition) to support a minimum level of physical health. Absolute poverty means about the same everywhere, and can be eradicated as demonstrated by some countries.
(2) Relative poverty occurs when people do not enjoy a certain minimum level of living standards as determined by a government (and enjoyed by the bulk of the population) that vary from country to country, sometimes within the same country. Relative poverty occurs everywhere, is said to be increasing, and may never be eradicated.
WebFinance Inc, 2016.
Poverty in Australia Report 2016
Poverty in Australia 2018 found that there are just over 3 million people (13.2%) living below the poverty line of 50% of median income – including 739,000 children (17.3%). In dollar figures, this poverty line works out to $433 a week for a single adult living alone; or $909 a week for a couple with 2 children.
Australian Council of Social Service, n.d.
Rating: G Production Year: 2018 Duration: 4:38
Description: The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030. In this short video, primary students will learn more about the first SDG – No Poverty – what poverty really means for people around the world and what governments are doing to help. A young student also explains how young people are taking action on this goal.
