Relative vs. absolute poverty
A family's income covers food, shelter, and clothing but is far below what most families in their community have. They are experiencing:
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
Absolute poverty is lacking the resources for basic needs. This family meets its basic needs.
B
Intergenerational poverty persists across generations. The stem gives no information about previous generations.
C
Social reproduction is the transmission of inequality across generations through institutions such as schools.
D
Correct. Relative poverty is being poor compared with the standard of living of the surrounding society.
TakeawayAbsolute: can't meet basic needs. Relative: far less than most people around you.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps24.