What term describes a standard of poverty based on a minimum level of subsistence below which families should not be expected to exist?

The correct term that describes a standard of poverty based on a minimum level of subsistence below which families should not be expected to exist is absolute poverty. This concept refers to a condition where individuals or families lack the basic necessities for survival, such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. Absolute poverty is often quantified with specific income thresholds that are considered insufficient for meeting these fundamental needs, and it is a universal standard that applies across regions and cultures.

This measure contrasts with other forms of poverty, such as relative poverty, which considers the economic status of individuals or families in relation to the wider community or society. Relative poverty can vary based on societal standards and is often based on the ability to access typical living standards in a particular society.

Functional poverty, another incorrect option, typically refers to individuals or families who may have some income but still cannot participate fully in societal activities due to limitations caused by that income level.

Generational poverty refers to a cycle of poverty that persists in families over generations, focusing more on the socio-economic dynamics rather than the immediate lack of basic subsistence.

Thus, absolute poverty clearly defines the minimum threshold necessary for survival, making it the appropriate term for this question.